Treatment for veterans dealing with chronic pain and opioid addiction
Official title: Integrated Treatment for Veterans with Co-Occurring Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11092499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for veterans dealing with chronic pain and issues with opioid use to see if a special treatment that combines therapy for pain management and mindfulness for preventing relapse can help them feel better and reduce their use of opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $90,000 |
| NIH project number | 3UH3DA051241-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are military veterans who experience chronic pain and are currently using buprenorphine to manage opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic pain or opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on veterans who suffer from chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated psychosocial treatment approach that combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for managing chronic pain with Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention for addressing substance misuse. The study will utilize a multisite randomized clinical trial design to assess how well these interventions can reduce pain interference and opioid misuse among participants. By participating, veterans may receive tailored support that addresses both their pain and addiction issues simultaneously.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with effective treatment options that alleviate chronic pain while reducing opioid dependence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using integrated psychosocial treatments for chronic pain and substance use disorders, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Witkiewitz, Katie a — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Witkiewitz, Katie a
Related research
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-
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-
Digital program to help Veterans with chronic pain and opioid-use disorder stay on treatment and feel better
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Integrated care for people with chronic pain and opioid use disorder at Montefiore/Einstein
This program compares non-drug options like yoga, physical therapy, counseling, and a smartphone support app for people living with chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
-
Multi-omics look at risk and resilience to opioid use disorder in veterans with chronic pain
This grant funds a mentored 5-year project to understand why some veterans with chronic pain are more likely to develop opioid use disorder and what factors help them stay resilient.
-
Very low nicotine cigarettes to help people on buprenorphine with chronic pain quit smoking
This compares switching to very low nicotine cigarettes versus regular cigarettes for people with opioid use disorder who have chronic pain to see if it reduces smoking, cravings, withdrawal, and pain.
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.