Understanding how fentanyl and stimulants are used together by homeless individuals

A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Fentanyl-Stimulant Polysubstance Use Among People Experiencing Homelessness

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-10590218

This study is looking at how people who are homeless in New York City and San Francisco use fentanyl and stimulants together, and it aims to understand the risks involved and how homelessness affects their substance use, so we can improve support and treatment options for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-10590218 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the patterns of fentanyl and stimulant use among people experiencing homelessness in New York City and San Francisco. By conducting interviews and focus groups over five years, the study aims to gather qualitative data on how these substances are used together and the associated risks. The research will also explore the impact of homelessness on substance use and the effectiveness of current overdose prevention and treatment strategies. This information could help inform better support and intervention programs for vulnerable populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing homelessness who use fentanyl and stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use fentanyl or stimulants, or who are not experiencing homelessness, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment and prevention strategies for individuals struggling with polysubstance use, ultimately reducing overdose deaths.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into substance use among homeless populations, this specific focus on fentanyl-stimulant polysubstance use is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.