SUBSTANCE USE

This study tested two ways to connect people recently released from jail or prison to community-based care for HIV, hepatitis C, STIs, and opioid use disorder. Over 600 adults took part. The goal was to see which method worked better for starting and staying on treatment or preve…

This pilot study tested whether a problem-solving program delivered by video call or text message could help young adults (ages 18-29) living with HIV stay engaged in care, improve mental health, and reduce substance use. Fifty participants from the East Bay area of San Francisco…

This study tested two versions of a remote behavioral therapy for 584 teens (ages 14-24) who came to the emergency room after a violent injury. One version was standard, while the other used artificial intelligence to adapt the therapy in real time. The goal was to reduce future …

This study tested whether getting young people actively involved in designing and running prevention programs helps reduce drug and opioid misuse. Four community organizations in North Carolina took part; two used a youth engagement approach and two did not. Researchers surveyed …

This study tested whether giving homeless young people (ages 18-24) a place to live along with support services could prevent them from developing opioid addiction. Researchers followed 240 participants for a year, tracking how often they used opioids. The goal was to see if stab…

This study tested a program called Trust-based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to prevent opioid and other drug misuse in teens aged 15-18 who were leaving juvenile justice facilities. Researchers worked with 250 youth and a trusted adult in their life to see if the program could …

This study tested a program called Couples Health CoOp Plus for young couples (ages 18-30) in Cape Town who use alcohol or drugs. The goal was to help them start and stick with HIV prevention (PrEP) or treatment (ART) while reducing stigma and risky behaviors. About 962 people to…

This study tested a new personalized feedback program designed to help young adults aged 18 to 25 reduce risky alcohol and drug use. Researchers enrolled 660 participants across the U.S. to see if the program lowered substance use, related problems, and motivated change. The goal…

This study tested a 6-session therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for cancer patients who are at risk of misusing opioids. The therapy helps patients cope with difficult thoughts and feelings that can lead to opioid misuse. The study included 40 adults with can…

This study tested three remotely delivered programs to help 113 adults with depression, anxiety, and substance use related to COVID-19 stress. Participants either received an 8-week mindfulness course, online cognitive behavioral therapy, or standard remote monitoring and coachin…

This small pilot study tested a web-based mind-body program (Web-TIRELESS) in 5 adults with painful, non-injury-related upper-limb conditions who also used substances like alcohol or cannabis at risky levels. Participants completed 4 online video sessions over about a month. The …

This study looked at the brains of 45 pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) who were taking medication therapy, compared to pregnant women without OUD. Researchers used MRI scans to see if OUD and the medication change how different brain regions connect. The goal was to …

This study looked at how to help child welfare agencies and substance use programs work together better to support families affected by the opioid crisis. Researchers worked with 9 professionals who provide training and support to these agencies. They created a guide to help lead…

This study looked at which combination of support programs works best to reduce suicidal thoughts and build resilience in American Indian youth ages 10-29 who are at risk for suicide. Researchers tested different sequences of three programs: New Hope, Elders Resilience, and Case …

This study tested two ways to encourage COVID-19 testing among people who use opioids: having friends refer friends (chain referral) and using trusted community messengers. About 500 adults who had used opioids in the past 6 months took part. The goal was to see which method got …

This pilot study tested a telehealth program called CRAFT-EP for families of people with early psychosis who also use alcohol or cannabis. 65 family members took part to see if the program could improve their wellbeing, including reducing depression and anxiety. The goal was to l…

This study tested whether a special anti-stigma program helps healthcare workers treat people with mental health or substance use problems more fairly. About 485 staff and clients from six health centers took part, with three centers getting the program and three not. Surveys mea…

This study tested a digital pill system and a smartphone app to help HIV-negative men who have sex with men and substance use disorder take their daily HIV prevention pill (PrEP) consistently. Forty participants used a special pill that sends a signal when swallowed, and an app t…

This study explored whether offering fetal ultrasound in community settings, along with care navigation and motivational counseling, helps pregnant women with substance use disorder attend prenatal care and substance use treatment. 103 pregnant women between 22-32 weeks gestation…

This study tested a computer program that scans hospital records to find patients who may be misusing drugs or alcohol. Researchers looked at data from nearly 65,000 adults admitted to the hospital. The goal was to see if the program could help doctors offer counseling and suppor…

This study tested a program called PAS-EPP, where trained peers (people with similar experiences) help young people with early psychosis reduce or stop using alcohol and drugs. The study involved 113 participants from coordinated specialty care teams in Texas. The goal was to see…

This study tested a new Spanish-language electronic tool called TAPS-ESP to screen for tobacco, alcohol, prescription drug, and illicit substance use in primary care clinics. About 1,000 Spanish-speaking adults took part to see how well the tool identifies substance use problems …

This study tested a program called RISE for young men leaving prison. The program provides trauma counseling and help finding a job and housing. Researchers wanted to see if this support would improve their mental health and stability, and lower the chance they would go back to p…