What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and 12-step facilitation work by providing encouragement, guidance, and shared experiences to improve treatment adherence and reduce dropout rates. Motivational interviewing helps patients resolve ambivalence about their substance use and enhances their motivation to change. CBT focuses on modifying biased cognitions and behaviors that contribute to substance use, while 12-step facilitation encourages participation in mutual help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, fostering a supportive community. These mechanisms are crucial for SUD patients as they address both the psychological and social aspects of addiction, promoting sustained recovery and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) that involve peer recovery supports, CBT, MET, and contingency management generally have minimal physical side effects but can present psychological and emotional challenges. Patients may experience increased anxiety, stress, or emotional discomfort as they confront their substance use and underlying issues. Peer support can sometimes lead to dependency on the peer relationship, and there may be variability in the quality of support provided. Additionally, the process of behavioral change can be demanding, potentially leading to frustration or relapse if not adequately supported.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of Substance Use Disorder, including N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and gabapentin, which have shown promise in reducing cannabis use and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, psychosocial interventions such as individual or group addiction counseling and participation in mutual help groups like Narcotics Anonymous are recommended to augment pharmacotherapy. Peer Recovery Supports, which provide additional encouragement, guidance, and shared experiences, are being studied to improve treatment adherence and reduce dropout rates, particularly among emerging adults. These supports align with the broader strategy of combining medication with psychosocial care to enhance treatment outcomes.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to Peer Recovery Supports for SUD patients include: 1) Proactive telephone counseling, which has shown higher quit rates and improved treatment adherence through multiple proactive calls. 2) Automated text messaging programs, such as SmokeFreeTXT, which provide personalized support and motivational messages to help manage cravings and maintain abstinence. 3) Mobile apps like QuitGuide and quitSTART, which offer resources for tracking progress, identifying triggers, and providing motivational support. 4) Social network platform interventions (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp) that leverage community support and engagement to help patients quit and avoid relapse.

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Peer Recovery Support for Substance Use Disorders (P2P Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Kristyn Zajac, PhD

Research Sponsored by UConn Health

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Age between 18-25

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 90 days from initiation of treatment

Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial tests a new approach where people who have overcome substance use problems help young adults (ages 18-25) stay in treatment programs. This age group often drops out of treatment early, leading to serious issues like continued drug use and high costs. The goal is to see if this peer support can reduce dropout rates and improve treatment success.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for young adults aged 18-25 who are starting outpatient treatment for substance use issues. It's designed to help them stick with their treatment program and not drop out early.

What is being tested?

The study tests a new support service delivered by peers who have recovered from addiction themselves. This service aims to improve how well young adults follow through with their substance use disorder treatments.

What are the potential side effects?

Since the intervention involves peer-delivered support rather than medication, there may be no direct medical side effects. However, participants might experience emotional or psychological impacts as they engage in the recovery process.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am between 18 and 25 years old.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 90 days from initiation of treatment

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~90 days from initiation of treatment

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 90 days from initiation of treatment for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Number of missed sessions and no show sessions

Number of patients who dropout from substance use services

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Peer Recovery Support - Delivered Dropout Prevention + Usual ServicesExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

clinics will continue to deliver their normal outpatient services plus the peer recovery support-delivered dropout prevention enhancement

Group II: Usual ServicesActive Control1 Intervention

clinics will continue to deliver their normal outpatient services

0 / 1Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and 12-step facilitation work by providing encouragement, guidance, and shared experiences to improve treatment adherence and reduce dropout rates. Motivational interviewing helps patients resolve ambivalence about their substance use and enhances their motivation to change. CBT focuses on modifying biased cognitions and behaviors that contribute to substance use, while 12-step facilitation encourages participation in mutual help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, fostering a supportive community. These mechanisms are crucial for SUD patients as they address both the psychological and social aspects of addiction, promoting sustained recovery and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

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