SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

This study tested a specialized support program for veterans with both bipolar disorder and substance use problems after they leave the hospital. Half of the 138 participants received extra counseling and monitoring, while the other half got standard safety checks. The goal was t…

This study tested a special program to help people with both bipolar disorder and substance use problems stick to their treatment after leaving the hospital. 178 adults were split into two groups: one received extra counseling and support, while the other got enhanced safety moni…

This early-phase trial tested whether a virtual reality (VR) experience, where participants see an avatar that looks like them in a park, could help people in early recovery from opioid use disorder reduce drug use and stay abstinent. The study enrolled 104 people who were alread…

This study tested a program to help HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) who also struggle with substance use. The program aimed to reduce feelings of stigma and shame that can keep them from getting HIV care. Fifty men took part to see if the program was helpful and easy…

This study tested a web-based addiction treatment program that was culturally adapted for American Indians and Alaska Natives. 53 adults in outpatient treatment used the program for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if it helped them stay away from drugs and alcohol and to decide if …

This study tested a digital pill system that tracks when people take their daily HIV prevention medication (PrEP). The goal was to see if real-time reminders and monitoring could help people with substance use disorders take their PrEP more consistently. Thirty participants used …

This study tested a program called iSTRIVE for 42 adults with HIV who also use opioids or stimulants and were not well engaged in HIV care. The program combined emotion regulation and communication skills training with video check-ins and small rewards to encourage daily HIV medi…

This early-phase study tested whether adding a medication called Auvelity (a combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion) to standard buprenorphine treatment is safe and might help reduce cravings, withdrawal, and negative feelings in people with opioid use disorder. 18 adults …

This study tested a mobile app called GeoPassport, along with incentives and peer mentors, to help men who have sex with men and transgender women leaving jail access HIV prevention services like PrEP. The 233 participants were either still in jail or recently released. Researche…

This small pilot study tested an 8-week mindfulness and meditation program in 3 adults with substance use disorders. Participants reported lower stress and improved mindfulness after the program. One person stayed sober long-term, while two relapsed within a year. The study shows…

This study tested whether giving HIV prevention medicine (PrEP) right away at a syringe services program helps people stay HIV-negative. 90 adults who were already enrolled in the program and tested negative for HIV took part. Researchers measured drug levels in the blood after 6…

This study tested whether a short, trauma-focused therapy called Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) can help low-income urban teens aged 16–25 who have PTSD from violence and are at risk for substance use. Researchers measured changes in PTSD symptoms and alcohol use. The goal was …

This study tested whether a digital mindfulness app is practical and acceptable for people in early recovery from substance use disorders. 36 participants were randomly assigned to standard group therapy alone or standard therapy plus the app for 8 weeks. The main goal was to see…

This study tested a brief behavioral program to help adults in residential rehab for substance use better regulate their emotions and handle distress. The program combined skills training from behavioral therapies over 11 weekly sessions. Researchers compared 19 people who receiv…

This study looked at whether people with chronic non-cancer pain who take opioids daily can slowly reduce their dose without worsening pain or quality of life. 140 participants were split into two groups: one started tapering right away, the other waited 4 months. Researchers tra…

This study looked at whether an online cognitive behavioral therapy program, called Breaking Free Online, helps people with substance use disorder cut back on their drug or alcohol use. About 200 adults from an outpatient addiction program took part. Some got standard care with g…

This study tested a phone-based counseling program called SBIRT-PM for veterans with chronic pain who were also at risk for substance misuse. Over 1,100 veterans participated, receiving up to four phone calls over 12 weeks to help them engage in non-drug pain treatments and reduc…

This study looked at whether adding a short writing therapy (Written Exposure Therapy) to a 28-day residential substance use program helps veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders. Fifty-six veterans took part. The goal was to see if the writing therapy was practic…

This study tested a smartphone-based breathing exercise called heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) for people with substance use disorder. 120 adults in early recovery used the app to practice slow, rhythmic breathing for 15 minutes daily. The goal was to see if this techni…

This study looked at whether a short sleep therapy program (BBTI) can improve sleep and help people stay in treatment for substance use disorders. About 83 adults living in a residential recovery program took part. They wore sleep trackers, completed surveys, and did sleep diarie…

This study tested a special type of talk therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT) delivered over telehealth to help veterans who feel lonely and struggle with substance use. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked by participants. Thirty-six veterans…

This study tested a life-skills training program for 45 men aged 20 to 50 recovering from substance use disorders. The goal was to see if the program could improve their self-efficacy, or confidence in handling daily challenges. Participants completed a structured program after d…

This study measured the amount of xylazine—a dangerous animal sedative often mixed with opioids—in the blood and urine of 75 emergency room patients who had a non-fatal opioid overdose. The goal was to see how common xylazine is and how well test strips can detect it. The finding…

This completed study worked with 65 African American adults who use cocaine or other illicit substances and want to cut back or stop. Researchers gathered their feedback to create a manual called I-DREM, designed to improve how clinical trials recruit and keep Black participants.…

This study worked with 51 healthcare professionals at primary care clinics to find ways to reduce stigma toward people who use drugs, especially in HIV prevention and care. The researchers tested a program that combined education for staff and changes to clinic policies. The goal…

This early-phase trial tested the safety of a new drug called CS-1103 in 32 healthy adults. Researchers gave single doses by IV to see if it causes side effects and how the body processes it. The goal is to gather basic safety information before testing it in people with methamph…

This study looked back at the records of 652 patients who were seen in the emergency department of a French hospital and then referred to a special addiction liaison team. The goal was to understand the social and medical backgrounds of these patients. The findings could help hos…

This completed study looked at how genes influence addiction and related behaviors. Researchers collected blood samples and had 847 adults (healthy volunteers, smokers, drug users, and people with psychiatric disorders) complete questionnaires and computer tasks. The goal was to …

This completed study tested a tablet-based screening system for substance use, depression, and anxiety in over 10,000 HIV-positive adults during routine clinic visits. Patients who screened positive were offered behavioral treatments like motivational interviewing and cognitive b…

This completed study at Assiut University Hospital looked at 106 people admitted for substance use disorder treatment. Researchers collected information on their personal background, drug use patterns, and mental health. The goal was to identify trends that could help improve add…

This study looked at whether a questionnaire called the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS) is a good tool for measuring depression-related behaviors in people with substance use disorders. Researchers analyzed answers from 289 adults receiving treatment for substan…

This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the mental health of 501 nursing home workers in Occitanie, France. Researchers measured rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and burnout using standard questionnaires. The goal was to understand how c…

This study looked at 129 teens aged 12-18 with substance use disorders to find out what parts of treatment cause the most improvement. The goal was to identify key factors that lead to better outcomes, like staying drug-free. Researchers measured urine drug tests and problem beha…

This study looked at whether EMDR therapy, a treatment often used for trauma, can help people with substance use disorders who also have traumatic experiences. Researchers measured relapse rates and brain changes in 64 adults. The goal was to understand how EMDR might work for ad…

This study tested a program to reduce stigma around substance use in mental health clinics. Researchers compared clinics that added a new policy to standard staff training against clinics that only offered training. The goal was to see if the combined approach improved how often …

This study looked at whether a short, video-based parenting program called THRIVE could work for mothers with substance use disorder who are getting care at a special clinic. Nine mothers took part to see if the program was easy to use and helpful. The goal was to gather informat…

This study tested whether coaching and electronic tools could help addiction treatment clinics improve care for people with opioid use disorder. Nearly 8,000 patients from clinics in New York took part. The goal was to increase use of addiction medications, keep patients in treat…

This study tested a program to help people leaving prison get connected to medical care for HIV, hepatitis C, or substance use. 219 people took part, receiving support from a nurse before and after release. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked, not to d…

This study tested whether peer recovery coaches—people with lived experience—can help emergency department patients with substance use disorders connect to treatment and support. 144 adults were randomly assigned to receive in-person coaching, video-based coaching, or just a list…

This study tested a program called CRAFT-EP, which helps families support a relative with early psychosis and substance use (like alcohol or cannabis). The program was delivered entirely through video calls. Researchers measured family members' depression and anxiety to see if th…