Can therapy cut opioid use in chronic pain? new study explores how.

NCT ID NCT03916276

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

Summary

This study looked at how three psychological treatments—cognitive therapy, mindfulness meditation, and behavioral activation—might help adults with chronic pain reduce their use of opioid medications. Researchers enrolled 91 people with chronic pain who were at risk of opioid misuse. The goal was to understand the specific ways these treatments work, not to test a new drug or cure.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help tailor psychological treatments to reduce opioid use in people with chronic pain.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study focused on understanding mechanisms, not testing a new drug or cure. Results may not apply to everyone with chronic pain.

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.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome Musculoskeletal Pain opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Washington, Ninth and Jefferson Building

    Seattle, Washington, 98104, United States