Loneliness therapy may curb opioid misuse in pain patients

NCT ID NCT06285032

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed study tested whether reducing loneliness through group therapy could lower opioid misuse in 102 adults on long-term opioids for chronic pain. Participants received either cognitive behavior therapy or social navigation in weekly sessions. Researchers measured changes in opioid misuse and pain interference to see if addressing loneliness helps prevent misuse.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and social navigation
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce opioid misuse by addressing loneliness in primary care patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 102 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires weekly group sessions, which may not suit all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome opioid abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LONELINESS OPIOID USE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States

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