Peer coaches may help Justice-Involved youth cut drug use

NCT ID NCT05834881

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether paraprofessional coaches (with or without their own history of substance use) can help young adults aged 18-26 who have been involved with the justice system reduce their opioid and other drug use. The coaches used a combination of prize-based rewards for staying drug-free and help with education or job goals. The study enrolled 35 participants and measured drug use through urine tests over 6 to 30 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Contingency management (prizes for staying drug-free) plus vocational/educational coaching

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a low-cost way to help young people in the justice system reduce substance use.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study (35 participants) with no control group, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. The focus is on coach outcomes, not direct client benefits.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Chestnut Health Systems

    Eugene, Oregon, 97401, United States