Detecting opioid use through speech analysis
Official title: Remote and Non-Invasive Opioid Use Screening to Lower Barriers to Substance Use Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment
Funded at Tenvos INC. · NIH-10983723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help doctors quickly spot signs of opioid use by listening to how people talk, making it easier for those who might not have easy access to care, like folks in rural areas or in prison, to get the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tenvos INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Sacramento, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $293,170 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA061400-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who may be at risk for opioid use disorder, particularly those in rural or low-income areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for opioid use or those who have already been diagnosed and are receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to diagnosing substance use disorder (SUD) by using artificial intelligence to analyze speech patterns for signs of opioid use. The technology allows clinicians to conduct remote screenings in just 15 seconds, which can significantly reduce barriers to accessing care. By integrating this solution into existing healthcare workflows, it aims to improve access for underserved populations, including those in rural areas and incarcerated individuals. The project will also compare this method's effectiveness against traditional drug testing methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a quick and non-invasive way for patients to be screened for opioid use, facilitating earlier diagnosis and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of AI for speech analysis is a novel approach, similar technologies have shown promise in other areas of health diagnostics, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Tenvos INC.
West Sacramento, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seiilova-Olson, Rima — Tenvos INC.
- Study coordinator: Seiilova-Olson, Rima
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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.