Improving treatment retention for patients using methadone and cocaine
Official title: Treating Polysubstance Use in Methadone Maintenance: Application of Novel Digital Technology
Funded at Friends Research Institute, INC. · NIH-10588517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new app that helps people in methadone treatment for opioid use who also use cocaine by offering support and rewards for reaching their treatment goals, to see if it can help them stay in treatment longer and reduce the chances of relapse or overdose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Friends Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $2,254,579 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA057608-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10588517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals receiving methadone treatment for opioid use disorder who also have a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently using methadone or do not have a comorbidity of cocaine use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new digital therapy app designed to help patients who are undergoing methadone treatment for opioid use disorder and also use cocaine. The study will compare traditional treatment methods with the addition of the DynamiCare Health Contingency Management app, which provides automated support and rewards for achieving specific treatment goals. Participants will be monitored for their drug use and medication pickup, with the app offering financial incentives for meeting these targets over a 48-week period. The goal is to enhance retention in treatment and reduce the risk of relapse and overdose.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved retention in methadone treatment and better outcomes for patients struggling with polysubstance use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital interventions for substance use treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Friends Research Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexander, Karen — Friends Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Alexander, Karen
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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.