Talking it out: peer therapy shows promise for mental health in opioid recovery

NCT ID NCT06803810

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether peer-led therapy sessions could ease depression and anxiety in people recovering from opioid use disorder in rural areas. Forty adults receiving medication for opioid use disorder took part, with some getting extra support from a certified peer specialist. The goal was to see if this approach helps reduce mental health symptoms that often get in the way of long-term recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

peer support therapy (Friendship Bench intervention)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a low-cost, community-based way to reduce depression and anxiety in people recovering from opioid use disorder.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to larger or more diverse groups. The intervention is behavioral, so benefits may vary widely.

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.

opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Prisma Health

    Greenville, South Carolina, 29605, United States