Studying support for people who have lost loved ones to drug overdose
Official title: Leveraging a time-limited opportunity to study the impact of an intervention for individuals bereaved by drug overdose
Funded at Friends Research Institute, INC. · NIH-11082066 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special support program called SWORD can help people who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses by providing emotional and practical help from trained social workers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Friends Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $197,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA062508-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082066 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have recently lost someone to a drug overdose and are experiencing grief-related challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a loss due to drug overdose or those who are not within the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a support intervention for individuals who have experienced the loss of family or friends due to drug overdose. The intervention, known as SWORD, is delivered by trained social workers and includes modules focused on bereavement logistics, emotional support, substance use support, and health resources. By utilizing evidence-based strategies like motivational interviewing and social support, the program aims to mitigate the psychological and health risks associated with overdose bereavement. Participants will be selected randomly to receive this service as it expands to reach more individuals affected by this crisis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical support and resources to individuals grieving the loss of loved ones to drug overdose, potentially improving their mental and physical health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar interventions aimed at supporting bereaved individuals, particularly in the context of substance-related deaths.
Where this research is happening
-
Friends Research Institute, INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hochstatter, Karli Rae — Friends Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hochstatter, Karli Rae
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.