Substance abuse

This study is testing a special kiosk placed in rural Appalachian Kentucky that provides clean syringes and harm reduction supplies to people who inject drugs. The goal is to see if the kiosk helps reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C, and lowers the risk of drug overdose. Ab…

This study tests whether intravenous ketamine can help people with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder reduce their drug use. Over 12 weeks, 120 adults will receive either ketamine or a mild sedative (midazolam) in six sessions. The main goal is to see if more partici…

This study tests whether a telehealth-delivered counseling program, called VetReach, can help veterans with opioid use disorder engage in treatment and improve their outcomes. The program combines motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, delivered remotely. Res…

This study tests whether a brief screening and a telehealth counseling session in the emergency department can help people reduce their use of drugs or alcohol. About 650 adults who are at low or moderate risk for substance use problems will take part. The goal is to see if this …

This study tests whether combining one-on-one financial coaching with access to safe, affordable banking services can improve both financial health and mental well-being for people recently released from jail or prison. Participants, who self-identify as having mental health or s…

This study looks at ways to help people of color living in areas with high overdose rates start and continue medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid or alcohol use. Researchers will track how many treatment sessions people attend and whether they stick with their medicatio…

This study tests whether a combination of weekly video-counseling sessions and a mobile app can help young adults (18-29) living with HIV achieve viral suppression. Participants who are not virally suppressed will be randomly assigned to receive the intervention or standard care.…

This study tests a program called Khanya, where trained peers (people with lived substance use experience) help HIV patients stick to their medication and reduce drug or alcohol use. The program is offered in steps: a basic version first, then a more intensive one if needed. Rese…

This study tests whether a collaborative care model—where a nurse care manager works with your primary care doctor and an addiction specialist—can help adults reduce their use of opioids, stimulants (like cocaine or meth), and heavy drinking. About 300 patients from primary care …

This study compares two approaches to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness quit smoking: cytisine (a plant-based pill) versus nicotine replacement therapy (like mouth spray, patches, or gum). Both groups also get counseling. The goal is to see which strategy wo…

This study looks at whether having a trained peer (someone with similar experiences) as a case manager can help people with HIV who also have mental health or substance use problems get the care they need. About 405 adults from an HIV clinic will be randomly assigned to either us…

This study tests whether adding a communication skills video and a substance use module to standard couples HIV testing can help male couples reduce drug use and risky sex. About 484 male couples are randomly assigned to receive standard testing alone or with one or both extra mo…

This study tests two counseling programs to help women who use drugs in Tanzania start and stay on PrEP, an HIV prevention pill. 200 women will be randomly assigned to receive either brief motivational counseling, the same plus extra mental health support, or standard information…

This study tests whether a drug prevention program called Project ALERT, combined with a support tool called Getting to Outcomes, can reduce substance use among 7th and 8th graders. Researchers will track students' alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and other drug use, as well as the…

This trial tests whether a digital app called FostrSpace can reduce substance use among youth aged 13 to 20 who are in foster care. The app is delivered through training sessions for CASA volunteers, who then support the youth in using it. Researchers will measure changes in drug…

This study tests a 9-month mentoring program for 8th and 9th graders who have experienced child abuse or neglect and are involved with child welfare. The program pairs teens with graduate student mentors who help them set goals in relationships, education, activities, career, and…

This study tests a digital program called BrotherlyACT designed for young Black males aged 15-24 who have experienced trauma. The program includes life skills coaching, safety planning, and an AI chatbot to help reduce violence and substance use. 300 participants will be split in…

This study tests a program called Journey of Transformation for Native American tenth graders at an off-reservation boarding school. The program uses traditional storytelling, cultural arts, and outdoor activities to teach leadership and healthy decision-making around substance u…

Researchers are testing a personalized, non-drug treatment for adults with ongoing depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, sleep problems, attention difficulties, or substance-use concerns. Instead of assigning treatment by diagnosis alone, the study selects approaches base…

This study looks at whether terpenes—natural compounds found in plants—can reduce pain when taken alone or with THC. Researchers will test 45 adults who use cannabis regularly to measure pain relief and any feelings of being high or drug liking. The goal is to find safer ways to …

This pilot study tests whether a 4-week virtual mindfulness-based group intervention with social support is feasible and acceptable for pregnant individuals at higher risk for substance use. Participants join weekly video conference groups focused on grounding, thinking patterns,…

This study asks whether standard residential treatment for substance use disorders can improve a person's ability to empathize with others. Researchers will measure empathy levels in about 108 adults before and after they complete a residential program followed by partial hospita…

This early study tests whether vaporized cannabigerol (CBG) and THC can help with pain and appetite. Twenty occasional cannabis users will receive different doses of CBG and THC, alone or together, and report their pain tolerance, hunger, and any side effects. The goal is to see …

This study is a health check for students at Constructor University Bremen and employees at HAW-Hamburg. Researchers will use surveys and interviews to measure loneliness, anxiety, stress, and health habits. The goal is to understand what affects wellbeing and find ways to suppor…

This study looks at how harm reduction care (a non-judgmental approach to drug use) in HIV clinics affects stigma and health outcomes for people living with HIV who use drugs. Researchers will survey 768 patients and providers to understand how attitudes and care practices influe…

This study aims to understand if cannabis affects pain relief and the risk of abuse differently in men and women. Researchers will give 160 regular cannabis users either active cannabis or a placebo and measure their pain response, drug effects, and blood levels. The goal is to g…

This study from Mayo Clinic tests whether a smartphone app called Senyo Health can help connect people with substance use disorders to treatment through their primary care doctor. Sixty participants will use the app for 12 weeks, which includes therapy modules, weekly check-ins w…

This study tests whether telehealth programs can help people manage their alcohol use and improve well-being. About 300 adults with alcohol use disorder will join remotely via video or phone. They will be split into two groups: one gets a telehealth program, the other gets usual …

This study looks at whether counseling sessions done over video call (telehealth) are practical and well-liked by people with substance use disorder who are not currently getting treatment. About 50 participants will try the program and share their feedback through surveys. The g…

This study tests a program called LIFT to help people who inject drugs in Kyrgyzstan face less stigma and lower their risk of HIV. About 80 participants will join peer-led group sessions to build support and learn how to use HIV prevention services. The goal is to see if the prog…

This study looks at how to help primary care clinics screen more adults for substance use problems. It compares different support strategies like coaching, team learning, and financial rewards. 144 clinic staff from 48 practices will take part. The goal is to find the best way to…

This study looks at tobacco, cannabis, and other drug use among homeless and at-risk youth in downtown Ottawa. Researchers will follow 520 participants aged 16 and older who are homeless or insecurely housed and have a history of cannabis use and mental illness. The goal is to un…

This study was designed to test whether a mobile app with personalized feedback and peer coaching could help young adults aged 18-29 who drink heavily and have experienced interpersonal trauma. Participants would have been randomly assigned to the enhanced app or a standard versi…

This study follows 117 young adults (ages 23–28) who were part of a previous study since adolescence. Researchers use brain scans and surveys to understand how changes in the brain relate to smoking, drinking, and drug use. No treatment or medication is involved—only observation …

This study looks at whether giving staff bonuses for hitting targets helps them deliver better substance use counseling to people with HIV. Researchers are comparing two strategies: one with just training and feedback, and another that adds monetary incentives. The goal is to see…

This study follows 120 people in group therapy for alcohol use disorder to see which patient factors—like mental health, drinking severity, personality, or thinking skills—predict who finishes treatment and stays sober a year later. Researchers hope to learn how to match patients…