Digital therapy for opioid use disorder and related mental health issues
Official title: Autonomous Digital CBT Intervention for Opioid Use Disorder in Individuals with Co-Occurring Internalizing Disorders
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10936521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful online program designed for people dealing with opioid addiction along with anxiety or depression, teaching them how to handle tough emotions without turning to drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $438,679 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3DA059414-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who also experience anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or co-occurring internalizing disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops a digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program aimed at individuals struggling with opioid use disorder and co-occurring anxiety or depression. The program addresses the vicious cycle of addiction by educating patients on how to manage negative emotions without resorting to drug use. Participants will engage with an autonomous digital platform that delivers the therapy, which has shown effectiveness comparable to traditional therapist-led sessions. The approach focuses on teaching coping skills and promoting understanding of addiction's neuro-behavioral aspects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a scalable and effective treatment option for individuals with opioid use disorder and related mental health conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with digital CBT interventions for addiction, indicating promise for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anker, Justin Jack — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Anker, Justin Jack
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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.