Understanding how social connections affect recovery from opioid use disorder after childbirth
Official title: Evaluating the Role of Social Connectedness in Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder during the Postpartum: A Supplement to Support Research Continuity
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11125682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having strong social connections can help new moms with opioid use disorder feel better and stay on track in their recovery during the months after giving birth, and it aims to find out the best ways to support them through this journey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $86,963 |
| NIH project number | 3R21DA058364-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum individuals who have a history of opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not postpartum or do not have a history of opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of social connectedness on recovery outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) during the postpartum period, specifically in the fourth trimester. The study aims to explore how strong social bonds can reduce cravings and lower the risk of relapse, as many individuals with OUD experience increased loneliness and isolation after childbirth. By evaluating different models of social connectedness, the research seeks to identify effective strategies to support recovery in this vulnerable population. Participants will be followed for up to one year to assess the long-term effects of social support on their recovery journey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery outcomes for postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder by highlighting the importance of social support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social connectedness can positively influence recovery outcomes in various populations, suggesting that this approach may be effective for postpartum individuals with opioid use disorder as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Alicia M — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Allen, Alicia M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Telehealth Buprenorphine for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder
A national study at RAND is testing how delivering buprenorphine treatment through telehealth affects pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder.
-
Digital tool to reduce self-stigma for pregnant/postpartum women with opioid use disorder
A digital program helps pregnant and new mothers with opioid use disorder feel better about themselves and stay connected to treatment.
-
A digital tool to help pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder reduce self-stigma
This study is testing a helpful app called Enhearten for pregnant and new moms dealing with opioid use disorder, aiming to support them in overcoming feelings of shame and connect them with the care they need.
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Helping new parents recover from opioid use disorder with mobile therapy
This study is creating a helpful mobile app for new moms recovering from opioid use disorder, offering support and tools to help them stay on track during a challenging time after giving birth.
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Personalized treatment for women with opioid use disorder after childbirth
This study is looking to create better treatment plans for women with opioid use disorder after they give birth, by personalizing care to fit their unique needs and helping them stay healthy and supported during this important time.
-
Systems analysis to improve opioid use disorder care after jail release (SAIA-MOUD)
A program to help people with opioid use disorder get better, faster, and safer care after they leave jail.
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.