Understanding social isolation and loneliness in older adults with opioid use disorder
Official title: Measuring Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Intersectional Stigma among Older Adults with Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10818554 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feeling lonely and isolated affects older adults, aged 55 and up, who are getting help for opioid use in San Diego, and it will check in with them over time to see how their social connections and feelings change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058404-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818554 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 55 and above who are currently receiving treatment for opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 55 or those not receiving treatment for opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social isolation and loneliness affect older adults who are receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. It aims to measure these factors over time among individuals aged 55 and older in San Diego County's opioid treatment programs. Participants will complete validated assessments at three different points to track changes in their social connections and feelings of loneliness. The study also explores the stigma these individuals face due to their age and substance use, which may impact their health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support systems and interventions for older adults with opioid use disorder, enhancing their overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on social isolation and stigma in various populations, this specific focus on older adults with opioid use disorder is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Benjamin Hyun — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Han, Benjamin Hyun
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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.