Can a common supplement curb opioid cravings? small trial hints at possibility

NCT ID NCT05480072

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This small, early-stage study tested whether a dietary supplement called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) could help people with opioid use disorder feel less stress, craving, and pain. Twelve adults already on stable medication for opioid use took PEA or a placebo for three weeks. The goal was to see if PEA could reduce stress-triggered cravings, which might help prevent relapse.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a dietary supplement
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, non-addictive supplement to help people with opioid use disorder manage stress and cravings.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-phase trial with only 12 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the supplement may not prove effective in larger studies.

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.

opiate dependence Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOID-USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.