Using a smartphone app to help reduce overdose risks for people using multiple substances
Official title: "A friend in my pocket": mHealth intervention to reduce overdose risk among people who engage in polysubstance use
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-10985510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile app called OD-CHESS that helps people who use multiple substances stay safe and reduce their risk of overdose, and it’s being developed with input from users and harm reduction experts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $974,317 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA061296-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use multiple substances and are at risk of overdose.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not engage in polysubstance use or who are not at risk of overdose may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a mobile health app designed to help individuals who use multiple substances reduce their risk of overdose. The app, called OD-CHESS, will be created in collaboration with people who use drugs and harm reduction providers. It aims to provide real-time support and information to users, helping them make safer choices regarding their substance use. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the app's effectiveness and gather insights on user experiences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the risk of overdose among individuals who engage in polysubstance use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health interventions for substance use disorders, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lorvick, Jennifer — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Lorvick, Jennifer
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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.