Can a digital program help couples in recovery strengthen their relationship?
NCT ID NCT07159633
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests an online program called OurRelationship-S, designed for couples where one or both partners are in recovery from substance misuse. The program includes about 8-10 hours of digital content and five coaching calls over 5-8 weeks, aiming to improve relationship satisfaction and reduce conflict. Researchers will enroll 120 couples to see if the program helps strengthen relationships and individual well-being.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Online couple intervention (OurRelationship-S program)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a practical, low-cost way to help couples in recovery improve their relationship and reduce conflict.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (120 participants) with no control group, so results may not apply broadly. The program requires time and commitment, and not all couples may benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2025
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: To be eligible to participate, couples will need to be: 1. in a romantic relationship and married, engaged, cohabiting, or dating exclusively for \>6mo; 2. Age 18+ 3. Both partners are willing to participate in the study 4. Both partners are fluent readers of the English language and 5. One or both members of the couple are currently in treatment or recovery services for substance use-related issues. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Severe domestic violence: We will utilize exclusion criteria for domestic violence that we have used for the last seven years of OurRelationship services with low-income and military couples. These criteria were developed in consultation with CEO of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and several members of the Domestic Violence Hotline. Through these conversations, we concluded it would be appropriate if couples were excluded from OurRelationship services if either person reports in the past 6 months that their partner: 1) Choked me 2) Repeatedly punched me during a fight or beat me up 3) Threatened me with (or used) a gun or knife, or 4) Physically forced me to have sex when I didn't want to. Finally, couples will be excluded if either person reports in the past 6 months that: 5) he/she was "quite afraid", "very afraid", or "extremely afraid" that their partners would physically hurt them during an argument. 2. Inadequate internet connection. To ensure that the program can function properly, participants will be required to have access to high-speed internet in their homes or on their smartphones (with regular wireless/hotspot or a minimum 4G cellular connection). 3. Have already decided to end the relationship. Because the tested programs are designed to help couples improve their relationships (rather than deal with a separation or divorce), couples will be excluded if either partner endorses that they "will probably end my relationship even if it does get better" or that they "have already made the decision to end my relationship."
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
5 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Commonly Well
RECRUITINGPotsdam, New York, 13676, United States
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Innovia Behavioral Health
RECRUITINGMarietta, Georgia, 30062, United States
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The Courage Center
RECRUITINGLexington, South Carolina, 29072, United States
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Voices of Hope Maryland
RECRUITINGElkton, Maryland, 21921, United States
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Youturn Health
RECRUITINGCoppell, Texas, 70519, United States
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