New ways to use mobile technology to help people with substance use disorders
Official title: Novel Methods to Inform mHealth Interventions for Substance Use
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11249022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with substance use disorders by using new mobile and wearable technology to provide support exactly when they need it, making it easier for them to get the right help at the right time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,582 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DA058996-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11249022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing substance use disorders who are seeking innovative and timely interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently experiencing substance use issues or who are not interested in mobile technology interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving interventions for individuals with substance use disorders by utilizing modern mobile and wearable technologies. It aims to develop just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs) that can respond to a person's changing needs in real-time. By employing innovative methodologies like Micro-Randomized Trials (MRTs), the project seeks to gather data that will inform the creation of more effective interventions tailored to individual circumstances. The goal is to ensure that support is provided at the most beneficial moments for those in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile technology for health interventions, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ertefaie, Ashkan — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ertefaie, Ashkan
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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.