Understanding drug use and safety in the age of fentanyl

Navigating the Fentanyl Age with Community Drug Checking

NIH-funded research Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11084142

This study is looking at how illegal fentanyl affects people who use drugs and wants to help keep them safer by checking what’s in their drugs; it’s for anyone in Rhode Island who uses drugs and wants to learn more about the risks and get better support for their health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRhode Island Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-11084142 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of illicitly manufactured fentanyl on drug users and explores community drug checking as a method to enhance safety. By analyzing the substances people use, the project aims to engage individuals in health discussions and gather data that can inform treatment strategies. The study will take place in Rhode Island, a state significantly affected by the fentanyl crisis, and will focus on understanding the risks associated with drug use in this context. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes for those affected by opioid use disorder through better-informed clinical practices.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use drugs, particularly those at risk of exposure to fentanyl and its analogs.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use drugs or are not affected by opioid use disorder may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and treatment options for individuals using drugs in a fentanyl-dominated environment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using community drug checking to enhance safety and inform treatment, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Providence, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.