Using digital tools to help incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders
Official title: Implementing a Digital Therapeutic to Address Substance Use Disorders among People who Are Incarcerated
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10949076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful digital program for people in jail who are struggling with opioid use, aiming to provide better support and treatment options while also training staff to help them more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $177,707 |
| NIH project number | 1K23DA061045-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are currently incarcerated and struggling with substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not incarcerated or those who do not have substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to implement a digital therapeutic program designed to assist individuals with substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder, while they are incarcerated. The program seeks to address the lack of evidence-based treatment options available in correctional facilities by providing accessible and low-cost digital resources. It will also focus on training correctional staff to improve the quality of care and support for these individuals. By integrating behavioral counseling with medication-assisted treatment, the project hopes to enhance treatment adherence and outcomes for incarcerated patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to effective treatment for substance use disorders among incarcerated individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital therapeutics for substance use disorders, indicating that this approach could be effective in correctional settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loya, Jennifer M — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Loya, Jennifer M
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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.