Using guanfacine and mindfulness to help people with opioid use disorder on buprenorphine

Combined guanfacine and mindfulness meditation as an adjunct to buprenorphine maintenance in OUD

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10947227

This study is looking at whether taking guanfacine and practicing mindfulness meditation together can help people with opioid use disorder feel more in control of their emotions and cravings while they are already on buprenorphine treatment. If you join, you might receive one of these treatments, both, or none, and the goal is to see if this helps you stick to your treatment and avoid relapse.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10947227 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the combined effects of guanfacine, a medication, and mindfulness meditation as additional treatments for individuals with opioid use disorder who are already receiving buprenorphine. The study aims to see if this combination can improve emotional control and reduce cravings triggered by stress and opioid-related cues. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either guanfacine, mindfulness training, both, or neither over a six-week period. The goal is to determine if these interventions can enhance treatment adherence and reduce relapse rates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently undergoing treatment with buprenorphine.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently receiving buprenorphine or those with contraindications to guanfacine may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment approach for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of guanfacine and mindfulness is a novel approach, previous studies have shown that both interventions can be effective individually in managing cravings and emotional regulation.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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.