SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

This study tests whether a low dose of ketamine, given through an IV, can help people reduce or stop using methamphetamine. It involves 120 adults with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder. Participants will receive either ketamine or a placebo (midazolam) over six wee…

This study tests a 5-session virtual program called MATTER for 256 people living with HIV and substance use disorders in Boston and Miami. The program uses text messages and coaching to help people manage stigma and shame, set self-care goals, and build self-compassion. The goal …

This study tests whether a virtual reality experience can help people in early recovery from stimulant use disorder reduce drug use and stay abstinent longer. About 200 participants who have been sober for at least 14 days but less than a year will be randomly assigned to a VR in…

This study tests a community program called Young HEROES that helps young people with opioid use disorder. The program combines medication, counseling, and peer support to keep them in treatment and reduce opioid use. Researchers will track how many youth stay in treatment and st…

This study looks at two different support programs to help people recently involved with the justice system start or restart HIV prevention (PrEP) or treatment (ART) and substance use care. About 400 adults in Connecticut, Texas, and Kentucky will take part. One program offers st…

This study tests whether switching to e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes) helps people in treatment for substance use disorder quit smoking better than FDA-approved nicotine patches and lozenges. About 240 adults who smoke and are in outpatient addiction treatment will participate for …

This study tests a program called PrTNER that helps young people aged 15-29 who are at risk for or living with HIV and also have substance use issues. The program provides support to start HIV prevention medicine (PrEP) or to lower the amount of virus in the body for those alread…

This study looks at whether starting a quit attempt during the first half of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) helps women stop smoking more successfully than starting during the second half (luteal phase) or without cycle timing. About 1,200 women who smoke daily and have r…

This study tests if adding extra supports to a group parenting program can help prevent language delays in young children (12-42 months) whose parents have a substance use disorder. Researchers will compare child language outcomes between families receiving the standard program a…

This study tests a new way to prevent HIV among people who inject drugs and their friends. Researchers will train some participants to become peer educators, teaching their social network about HIV testing, PrEP (a daily pill that prevents HIV), and treatment for opioid use. The …

This study is testing a virtual reality tool designed to help young people who have experienced trauma reduce their risk of substance use and HIV. The study includes 50 participants, such as young men who have sex with men and adolescents with substance use disorder, aged 15 to 3…

This study tests a new therapy called A-EMDR, where people use eye movements on their own to help with PTSD and substance use. Researchers want to see if it reduces PTSD symptoms and drug or alcohol use over 4 weeks. The study involves 24 adults and compares A-EMDR to standard ca…

This study tests whether a low-intensity focused ultrasound device can safely help treat opioid and other substance use disorders. About 29 adults aged 18–60 who are already in outpatient treatment will receive the ultrasound as an add-on therapy. The main goal is to check for si…

This study tests a brief computer program designed to help teenagers ages 13-17 reduce their use of cannabis and alcohol. Participants are teens who already use both substances and want treatment. The program aims to change their automatic reactions to drug cues, and researchers …

This study tests a small device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to help people with alcohol use disorder manage withdrawal symptoms. Twenty adults will wear the device for 5 days during detox, and half will receive a placebo version. Researchers will measure withdrawal …

This study tests whether trained peer recovery specialists can effectively deliver a type of talk therapy (Behavioral Activation) to help with depression in people also dealing with substance use disorder. The goal is to make mental health care more accessible for low-income indi…

This study tests a new therapy called SoundHeal for youth aged 12-18 who are in juvenile detention and struggle with emotions, anxiety, depression, or substance use. The therapy uses a special pod with sound, music, gentle vibrations, and light to help them relax, followed by a s…

This study tests a self-guided, avatar-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program called RITch®CBT for men with substance use disorders and recent relationship conflict. Forty men entering addiction treatment will be randomly assigned to use the digital platform at home …

This study looks at whether doing yoga or physical therapy at opioid treatment programs can help people with chronic back pain and opioid use disorder feel better and use fewer opioids. About 180 adults will be randomly assigned to 12 weeks of yoga, physical therapy, or their usu…

This study tests if a short writing therapy, called Written Exposure Therapy (WET), can help veterans who have both PTSD and a substance use disorder. Participants will attend five writing sessions and be followed for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if this simple approach reduces P…

This study tests a virtual reality (VR) program designed to help people with substance use and mental health disorders improve their social functioning. About 102 adults in long-term addiction treatment will either receive VR training twice a week for five weeks plus usual care, …

This study tests a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference (TI) to see if it can reduce nicotine cravings and vaping. 120 adults who vape heavily will receive either real stimulation to a deep brain area or a sham (fake) treatment during a si…

This study is testing whether a 12-week therapy program called ECCCLORE is practical and acceptable for people who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction. The program combines skills for managing emotions, stress, and relationships. Researchers will enroll …

This study tests a method called FIT (Feedback Informed Treatment) where clients regularly rate their progress and the help they receive. Researchers want to see if this feedback helps people stay in services and have better outcomes. About 400 adults receiving social services fo…

This study looks at whether cognitive remediation (brain exercises with coaching) can improve thinking skills and reduce problem behaviors in people staying in a forensic mental health unit. About 30 adults with conditions like psychosis, ADHD, or substance use will take part. Th…

This study aims to develop and test a supervision strategy for clinical supervisors in substance use disorder treatment programs. The goal is to reduce counselor burnout and turnover, and improve their performance and well-being. About 43 supervisors and counselors from residenti…

This study is testing a new blood test to see if it can help doctors tell the difference between depression and schizophrenia, and whether it can show if a treatment is working. Researchers will collect blood samples and mental health surveys from 500 adults over three visits. Th…

This study is testing a new family-based program called Fam-AID for teenagers (ages 13-21) who have both a substance use problem and an internalizing disorder like anxiety or depression. The program adds extra support to their usual treatment by involving family members and teach…

This study is testing whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve executive functions—like memory, attention, and decision-making—in people with various neuropsychiatric conditions. Researchers will enroll 600 adults with diagnoses such as traumatic…

This study tests whether a program that pairs people in the ER with a trained peer recovery specialist helps them connect to addiction treatment and support services. Researchers will follow 400 adults who came to the ER for a substance use-related issue, comparing those who get …

This study looks at whether brain activity related to learning can predict how well teens (ages 14-17) respond to a program aimed at reducing cannabis use. Participants get a brain scan, then attend 10 weekly virtual sessions where they report their cannabis use and take drug tes…

This study tests whether a tool called MyPath helps women with substance use disorder make and stick with a birth control plan after giving birth. About 400 women will use the tool or receive standard care. The goal is to see if MyPath improves consistent use of effective contrac…

This study tests whether a telemedicine program is practical and well-received for treating substance use disorders in people living with HIV in Alabama. About 30 participants who misuse opioids or stimulants will receive care via video or phone. The main goal is to see if they a…