SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

This study tests whether starting nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges) at a specific time in the menstrual cycle helps women quit smoking. About 1,200 women who smoke daily and have regular periods will be assigned to start their quit attempt during the follic…

This study tests whether intravenous ketamine can help adults with moderate to severe methamphetamine use disorder reduce their drug use. Over 12 weeks, 120 participants will receive either ketamine or an active placebo (midazolam) in a double-blind design. The main goal is to se…

This study is testing whether e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes) can help people who are in treatment for substance use disorder quit smoking. Participants will either switch to e-cigarettes or use FDA-approved nicotine patches and lozenges, with weekly counseling. The goal is to see …

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 shame and stigma, set health goals, and stay connected to HIV care. The goa…

This study tests a community program called Young HEROES for youth aged 12-17 with opioid use disorder. It combines medication, counseling, and peer support to help them stay in treatment and stop using opioids. The goal is to see if this approach works better than usual care in …

This study tests a program called PrTNER that helps young people aged 15-29 who are at risk for HIV or already living with it, and who also have substance use issues. The program provides prevention, treatment, and support to help them start HIV prevention medication (PrEP) or lo…

This study tests whether a virtual reality (VR) experience can help people who are in early recovery from stimulant use disorder stay sober longer and reduce their drug use. Researchers will compare a VR group to a control group to see if the VR tool improves abstinence, future t…

This study looks at two different support programs to help people recently involved with the justice system start or restart HIV prevention (PrEP) or HIV treatment (ART), as well as treatment for substance use. About 400 participants will be randomly assigned to either a standard…

This study is developing and testing a virtual reality tool to help young people aged 15-30 who have experienced trauma and are at risk for substance use and HIV. The goal is to see if the tool can reduce substance use and risky behaviors. Researchers are recruiting young men who…

This study aims to see if training people who inject drugs to become peer educators can help their friends get tested for HIV and use prevention tools like PrEP and treatment for opioid use. About 360 participants from syringe service programs in Maryland will be recruited, along…

This study tests if adding extra supports to a group parenting program can improve early language development in children (12-42 months old) of parents with substance use disorder. Researchers will compare child language outcomes between families receiving the standard program an…

This study tests whether peer recovery specialists—people who have themselves recovered from mental health or substance use problems—can effectively deliver a therapy called behavioral activation to reduce depression and substance use. The trial will enroll 250 low-income adults …

This study is testing a brief computer program designed to help teenagers aged 13 to 17 reduce their use of cannabis and alcohol. Participants who are already seeking treatment for substance use will use the program and then be checked on one and three months later. The goal is t…

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 with both PTSD and a substance use…

This study tests 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 teaches skills to manage emotions, handle distress, and improve relationships. Researchers will…

This study tests a small device worn on the ear that sends mild electrical pulses to nerves, aiming to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Twenty adults with alcohol use disorder will wear the device for 5 days during detox. Half get the real device, half get a …

This study looks at whether offering 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 …

This study tests a new, non-invasive brain stimulation method called temporal interference (TI) to reduce nicotine cravings and vaping. 120 adults who vape heavily will receive either real TI stimulation to deep brain areas linked to addiction or a sham (fake) treatment during a …

This study tests whether a short writing therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET) can help veterans who have both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a substance use disorder. About 170 veterans will complete five writing sessions about their trauma. The goal is to see …

This study tests a digital program called RITch®CBT that uses an avatar to guide men through cognitive behavioral therapy for addiction. The goal is to reduce cravings and substance use while also addressing relationship conflict. Forty men entering addiction treatment will use t…

This study tests whether a virtual reality (VR) program can help people with substance use and mental health disorders improve their social functioning and quality of life. About 102 adults in long-term addiction treatment will either receive VR training twice a week for five wee…

This study tests a new therapy called SoundHeal for teens aged 12-18 in juvenile detention who struggle with emotions, anxiety, or substance use. Participants sit in a special room with soothing sounds, music, gentle vibrations, and dim lights, then write about their experience. …

This early study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can safely help people with opioid or other substance use disorders. Researchers will treat 29 adults who are already in outpatient addiction programs. The main goal is to see if the procedure is well-tolerate…

This pilot study will test whether a telemedicine program for substance use disorder is feasible and acceptable for 30 people living with HIV in Alabama. Participants will receive addiction care via telemedicine or standard in-person care. The main goal is to see if they attend f…

This study looks at whether having a peer recovery specialist in the emergency department helps people with substance use disorders get into treatment and stay connected to support. Researchers will follow 400 adults who visit the ER for substance-related issues, comparing those …

This study tests whether cognitive remediation—brain exercises with coaching—can improve thinking skills, reduce aggression, and boost recovery in 30 forensic inpatients with conditions like psychosis, ADHD, or brain injury. Participants are randomly assigned to either the brain …

This study is testing whether a new blood test can help 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 at a psychiatric clinic. The goal …

This study looks at whether a tool called MyPath helps women with substance use disorder make better decisions about birth control after having a baby. About 400 women will use the tool during pregnancy or right after delivery. The goal is to see if it helps them pick a method th…

This study looks at whether brain activity related to learning can predict how well teens respond to a program aimed at reducing cannabis use. Teens aged 14-17 get a brain scan, then attend 10 weekly virtual sessions where they report use and take drug tests. They can earn prizes…

This study looks at whether federal policy changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic helped more veterans get and stay on medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder. Researchers will compare treatment use, retention, and outcomes before and after the policy changes using data …

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve executive functions—like memory, attention, and decision-making—in people with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, borderline pers…

This study is testing a new family-based program (Fam-AID) for teens aged 13-21 who are getting treatment for substance use and also have anxiety or depression. The program adds extra support for mental health and family involvement to their usual care. Researchers want to see if…

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 well-being and performance. About 43 supervisors and counselors from residenti…

This study tests a method called Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) in social services. 400 people receiving help for issues like substance use, family problems, or housing will regularly rate their progress and the care they get. The goal is to see if this feedback helps prevent …