Reducing Methamphetamine Use to Improve Health and Well-Being
Official title: Advancing Non-Abstinence Outcomes in the Treatment of Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11419180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinical trial tests whether giving incentives to people with methamphetamine use disorder helps them use less meth and improves heart, immune, sleep, and psychosocial health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $711,749 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA064144-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults seeking treatment for Methamphetamine Use Disorder who are willing to participate in a 12-week program with follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not seeking treatment or unable to participate in follow-up assessments may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you have methamphetamine use disorder and are seeking treatment, this 12-week study offers incentives to reduce meth use, followed by 12 weeks of observation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an incentive program aimed at limiting weekly positive urine tests or a non-contingent control group. The study will measure heart health, immune function, sleep quality, and psychosocial outcomes using a mix of self-reported questions and objective tests. The focus is on real-world health improvements that can accompany reduced use, with results tracked during and after the treatment period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could show meaningful health improvements for people reducing meth use and inform new non-abstinence treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials with incentive-based strategies have shown reductions in meth use, but this study examines a broader set of health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stoops, William Walton — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Stoops, William Walton
Related research
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Tirzepatide for Methamphetamine Use Disorder in adults with diabetes
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Parkin helps brain energy stay steady in meth use disorder
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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.