Can a common supplement curb opioid cravings? small trial hints at possibility
NCT ID NCT05480072
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States