Improving motivation for non-drug treatments for chronic pain and reducing opioid use
Official title: Addressing the “Readiness Gap:” An eHealth Intervention to Increase Patient Motivation for Evidence-Based Chronic Pain Interventions and Reduced Opioid Reliance
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10931585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating an online program to help people with chronic pain feel more motivated to try non-drug treatments instead of relying on long-term opioid medications, making it easier for them to access the support they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,176 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DA058785-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are currently on long-term opioid therapy and are struggling with chronic pain.
✕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 aims to develop an online intervention that helps patients with chronic pain become more motivated to use non-drug treatments instead of relying on long-term opioid therapy. It focuses on addressing barriers such as low motivation and logistical challenges that prevent patients from accessing effective behavioral therapies. The intervention will utilize techniques like Motivational Interviewing and Contingency Management to encourage behavior change and enhance readiness for treatment. By leveraging eHealth technology, the research seeks to improve access to these interventions for patients in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of chronic pain without the risks associated with long-term opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that behavioral interventions like Motivational Interviewing and Contingency Management can effectively enhance patient motivation and treatment adherence.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crouch, Taylor Berens — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Crouch, Taylor Berens
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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.