Using mindfulness techniques to improve methadone treatment for opioid addiction

Implementation and Effectiveness of Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10892925

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10892925 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) can be integrated into methadone treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder. The approach involves an 8-week group therapy program that teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and savoring skills to help patients manage pain and cravings. By addressing underlying issues such as emotional dysregulation and reward processing deficits, the research aims to improve retention in treatment and reduce opioid use. Patients participating in this program will receive support in a clinical setting designed to enhance their recovery journey.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals currently undergoing methadone treatment for opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently receiving methadone treatment or those with severe mental health issues unrelated to opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with opioid addiction by enhancing their ability to manage cravings and emotional distress.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown that mindfulness-based interventions can effectively reduce opioid use and improve emotional well-being, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.

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.
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.