Can a simple text message keep opioid patients on track?

NCT ID NCT05897788

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether daily text check-ins and small financial rewards can help people with opioid use disorder stay engaged in treatment after leaving the emergency department. Participants receive automated texts for 30 days and can contact a navigator for support, while some also get incentives for filling prescriptions and attending follow-up appointments. The goal is to see if these simple tools improve treatment retention and reduce hospital visits.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Text-message check-ins and contingency management (incentives)
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could improve treatment engagement and reduce relapse rates for people with opioid use disorder after an emergency visit.
What could go wrong
This is a large but early-stage behavioral study; results depend on participants' willingness to engage with texts and incentives, and may not generalize to all settings.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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