Neurocognitive Mechanisms Underlying Smartphone-Assisted Prevention of Relapse in Opioid Use Disorder

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS · Apr 12, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how smartphone apps can help prevent relapse in people recovering from opioid use disorder. The researchers believe that using these apps, which have already been successful for quitting smoking and drinking, can provide support to patients currently receiving medication-assisted treatment. The study will include features like tracking participants' locations to provide personalized help when they enter areas where they might be tempted to use opioids again. Additionally, a smaller part of the study will look at brain activity using MRI scans to better understand how different people respond to this type of treatment.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be at least 18 years old and currently receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. They should also be comfortable using a smartphone if they are selected for the app-based intervention. Participants will be asked to monitor their drug use through the app and will receive feedback to support their recovery journey. It’s important to note that certain medical conditions, like a history of serious neurological issues or pregnancy, may prevent someone from participating in the study. Overall, this trial aims to explore new ways to enhance recovery for individuals struggling with opioid addiction.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Sex: male or female
• • Age: 18 years and older
• • (MRI sub-study): Age: 18-50 years old
• • In Phase I treatment of MAT for opioid-use disorder. (Phase I indicates that patient is receiving no more than one week of take-home medications at each weekly clinic visit.)
• • Must be willing to use a smartphone if randomized to the smartphone intervention arm
• • (MRI sub-study): Native English-speaking
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • (MRI) Medical history: A history of neurological, cardiovascular, or infectious disease would exclude study participation. A loss of consciousness of 20 or more min or other evidence of brain trauma also would be exclusionary.
• • (MRI) Pregnancy: A positive test for pregnancy prior to fMRI would exclude participation, due to unknown effect of high-field MRI on developing fetus.
• • (MRI) MRI contraindications: Exclusion criteria for MRI include (1) the presence of non-removable internal (e.g., cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial joints) or external (e.g., piercings, orthodontics) ferromagnetic objects; (2) claustrophobia in a confined MRI environment; (3) medications that interfere with hemodynamic coupling (e.g., beta blockers); (4) hypersensitivity to loud noise; or (5) a body circumference exceeding 60cm due to broad shoulders or morbid obesity