Can a smartphone app help people stay sober? new study says maybe.
NCT ID NCT05852015
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
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 if people would use the app and find it helpful, not to prove it reduces substance use.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- digital mindfulness app
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a convenient, app-based tool to help people in early recovery manage cravings and reduce substance use.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, early feasibility study with only 36 participants. It did not measure long-term effectiveness, and results may not apply to everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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36 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2023
- Finished
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Feb 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Fluent in English and have a 6th grade or higher reading level * Have completed 1 month or more of SUD treatment * Report use of their primary substance of choice in past 6 months * Are not currently enrolled in residential/inpatient treatment * Are willing to be randomized * Are willing and able to participate for the entire study period * Are willing to provide locator information for follow-up * Own a working, WIFI-enabled smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Current psychotic disorder * High suicide risk characterized by suicidal ideation with intent * Homicidal ideation posing imminent danger to others * Pending legal case, imminent incarceration, or a planned move that results in inability to commit to procedures during the entire study period * Participation in the Phase 1 User Testing study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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1 Church street
New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, United States
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