Can rewards and mindfulness help opioid patients stay on track?

NCT ID NCT04464421

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

Summary

This pilot study tested two behavioral programs to help people with opioid use disorder take their medication as prescribed. One group could win gift cards when their urine tests showed they were taking their medicine. The other group had one-on-one sessions to set goals, find fun activities without substances, and learn mindfulness skills. The study included 48 adults starting treatment at an opioid clinic.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

behavioral interventions (contingency management and brief motivational interviewing plus mindfulness)

What this could lead to

If successful, these approaches could offer simple, non-drug ways to help people with opioid use disorder stay on their treatment medication.

What could go wrong

This was a very small pilot study with only 48 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The interventions are behavioral and may not work for all patients.

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 Treatment Adherence and Compliance

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Tennessee Health Science Center

    Memphis, Tennessee, 38163, United States