Helping people in opioid treatment connect socially through disclosure.
Official title: Disclosure Intervention to Reduce Social Isolation and Facilitate Recovery among People in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-10930905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping people in recovery from opioid use disorder feel less lonely by teaching them how to share their experiences with others, so they can build important social connections that support their healing journey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $534,955 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059557-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals currently receiving treatment for opioid use disorder who experience feelings of social isolation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in treatment for opioid use disorder or those who do not experience social isolation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing social isolation among individuals undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). It introduces a structured intervention called 'Disclosing Recovery,' which equips participants with the skills to share their treatment experiences and histories with others. By facilitating disclosure, the program aims to help individuals rebuild social connections that are crucial for recovery. The intervention includes decision-making tools and coping strategies to navigate the complexities of sharing personal information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance recovery outcomes by reducing social isolation and fostering supportive relationships for individuals in OUD treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While there are successful interventions for disclosure in other stigmatized chronic illnesses, this specific approach for opioid use disorder is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Earnshaw, Valerie Ann — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Earnshaw, Valerie Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Disclosing Recovery: A Tool to Reduce Social Isolation for People Receiving Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
A guided, one-hour intervention helps people in treatment for opioid use disorder decide how and when to talk about their OUD history to reduce loneliness and support recovery.
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Helping people in opioid treatment safely share their recovery and rebuild connections
A one-hour program to help people in opioid treatment decide when and how to tell others about their recovery to reduce isolation and support getting better.
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Understanding social isolation and loneliness in older adults with opioid use disorder
This study looks at how feeling lonely and isolated affects older adults, aged 55 and up, who are getting help for opioid use in San Diego, and it will check in with them over time to see how their social connections and feelings change.
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Systems analysis to improve opioid use disorder care after jail release (SAIA-MOUD)
A program to help people with opioid use disorder get better, faster, and safer care after they leave jail.
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Precise epigenetic drugs for opioid addiction
A tiny, targeted drug approach is being developed to help people with opioid use disorder by rewriting the epigenetic signals in the brain to reduce cravings and relapse risk.
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Increasing Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder for Unhoused Montanans
This project helps unhoused people in Montana get life-saving medicines for opioid use disorder through clinics connected to syringe service programs, a nurse-led MOUD model, and peer support.
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.