Exploring non-drug treatments for safely reducing opioid use in chronic pain patients
Official title: Role of Non-pharmacological Pain Treatments in Safe and Effective Opioid Tapering in Chronic Pain
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11091437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different non-drug treatments can help people safely reduce their long-term use of opioids for chronic pain, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, so they can find better ways to manage their pain without relying on medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003412-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing chronic pain who are currently on long-term opioid therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on long-term opioid therapy or do not have chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how non-pharmacological treatments can help patients safely taper off long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. It focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of complementary and integrative health services in reducing opioid use while minimizing risks associated with tapering. The study will analyze patient outcomes during significant periods, including the implementation of a new health care system and the COVID-19 pandemic. By collaborating with various healthcare services, the research aims to develop better clinical guidelines for managing opioid tapering.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective strategies for managing chronic pain without relying on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-pharmacological approaches for pain management, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Black, Anne C. — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Black, Anne C.
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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.