Using a smartphone app to help reduce overdose risks for people using multiple substances

"A friend in my pocket": mHealth intervention to reduce overdose risk among people who engage in polysubstance use

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE · NIH-10985510

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10985510 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who use multiple substances and are at risk of overdose.

Not a fit: Patients who do not engage in polysubstance use or who are not at risk of overdose may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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 PARK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.