Using digital health to improve recovery from opioid use disorder for people involved in the justice system.
Official title: Improving social connectedness through digital health to enhance recovery from OUD among the justice involved population.
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11070403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful app called the Marigold Mobile Peer Support App for people who have been involved with the criminal justice system and are at risk for opioid use disorder, to see if it can make it easier for them to stay connected, get support, and stick to their treatment after they leave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $245,499 |
| NIH project number | 5R34DA058299-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have a history of opioid use disorder and have been involved in the criminal justice system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in the criminal justice system or do not have opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on individuals with criminal justice involvement who are at high risk for opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose after release. It aims to enhance recovery by utilizing a mobile application called the Marigold Mobile Peer Support App, which provides structured peer support to improve social connectedness and treatment engagement. The study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of this digital health approach in helping individuals maintain their medication for OUD and reduce feelings of isolation. By integrating peer support into their recovery process, the research seeks to address barriers faced during reintegration into the community.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce overdose risks for individuals with opioid use disorder transitioning from incarceration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that digital health interventions can effectively support recovery in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langdon, Kirsten Johnson — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Langdon, Kirsten Johnson
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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.