A Digital Tool to Help Manage Emotional Pain and Reduce Alcohol Use for People on Opioid Use Disorder Medication
Brief Digitally-Enhanced Intervention for Managing Emotional Pain and Reducing Alcohol Use during Medication for OUD
This project is creating a short, digital program to help people taking medication for opioid use disorder manage emotional pain and drink less alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and refine a digital program called IMPROVE, designed to help individuals on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We know that emotional pain can often lead to increased alcohol use, which can make MOUD treatment less effective. By focusing on specific factors like anxiety and how people handle uncertainty, this program seeks to break that cycle. We want to see if using this digital support can help you feel better and reduce your drinking habits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals currently receiving medication for opioid use disorder who also experience heavy or problematic alcohol use and emotional pain.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use alcohol or are not currently on medication for opioid use disorder may not directly benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this digital program could offer a new, accessible way for individuals on MOUD to better manage their emotional well-being and reduce problematic alcohol use, leading to improved overall health.
How similar studies have performed: Our team has previously seen large reductions in anxiety-related factors using the IMPROVE program in college students with elevated anxiety, suggesting a promising foundation for this adaptation.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorka, Stephanie — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Gorka, Stephanie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.