Using digital tools to help incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders

Implementing a Digital Therapeutic to Address Substance Use Disorders among People who Are Incarcerated

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-10949076

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-10949076 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are currently incarcerated and struggling with substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not incarcerated or those who do not have substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New Haven, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.