Using digital tools to help new mothers reduce substance use at home

Digital Screening and Brief Intervention for Perinatal Substance Use in Home Visiting

NIH-funded research Partnership to End Addiction · NIH-11117117

This study is all about helping new moms who might be dealing with substance use after having a baby by using a friendly online tool to check in on their needs and offering support through text messages, making it easier for them to get help without feeling judged.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPartnership to End Addiction NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11117117 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on supporting new mothers during the early postpartum period, a time when many may struggle with substance use. It utilizes a digital screening and brief intervention approach, allowing mothers to confidentially assess their substance use risk through an electronic tool between home visits from supportive professionals. The study aims to optimize this intervention by testing different delivery methods, including follow-up text messaging, to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility. By integrating this approach into existing home visiting programs, the research seeks to provide timely support to mothers who may otherwise avoid seeking help due to stigma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are new mothers experiencing substance use challenges during the postpartum period.

Not a fit: Patients who are not new mothers or those who do not experience substance use issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal and child health outcomes by effectively reducing substance use among new mothers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown preliminary success in using digital interventions for substance use, indicating potential for this approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.