Using mindfulness and mobile health to help treat opioid addiction
Official title: Integrating Mindfulness and mHealth Approaches for Treating Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11055366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with opioid use disorder by using mindfulness techniques and text messages to remind them about their medication and support them in managing cravings, making it easier for them to stick with their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,912 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DA058015-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently prescribed medication for opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not struggling with opioid use disorder or those not receiving medication for opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder by integrating mindfulness-based interventions with mobile health technology. The approach involves sending personalized text messages that provide medication reminders and mindfulness content to support patients in adhering to their medication regimen. By focusing on enhancing self-efficacy and managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, the study seeks to address the high dropout rates associated with medication for opioid use disorder. The research is being conducted at the University of New Mexico, where Dr. Frank Schwebel is developing his expertise in this innovative area.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved medication adherence and better treatment outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mindfulness-based interventions and mobile health technologies for improving treatment adherence in various health conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwebel, Frank — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Schwebel, Frank
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mindfulness-based help for people on methadone for opioid use
A program tests an 8-week mindfulness-based therapy added to methadone treatment to help people with opioid use disorder reduce cravings, pain, and emotional distress.
-
Mindfulness support added to methadone for opioid recovery
This project adds an 8-week mindfulness and skills group to methadone care to help people with opioid use disorder reduce craving, pain, and emotional distress.
-
Using mindfulness to improve treatment for opioid use disorder in those with childhood trauma
This study is looking at how mindfulness training delivered through technology can help people with opioid use disorder who have gone through childhood trauma, aiming to improve their emotional well-being and support their recovery journey.
-
Using mindfulness techniques to improve methadone treatment for opioid addiction
This study is looking at how a special 8-week group therapy called Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement can help people with opioid use disorder who are in methadone treatment by teaching them skills to better handle pain and cravings, making their recovery journey easier and more successful.
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Systems analysis to improve opioid use disorder care after jail release (SAIA-MOUD)
A program to help people with opioid use disorder get better, faster, and safer care after they leave jail.
-
Precise epigenetic drugs for opioid addiction
A tiny, targeted drug approach is being developed to help people with opioid use disorder by rewriting the epigenetic signals in the brain to reduce cravings and relapse risk.
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.