Using mindfulness techniques to improve methadone treatment for opioid addiction
Official title: Implementation and Effectiveness of Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10892925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $669,776 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056537-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals currently undergoing methadone treatment for opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooperman, Nina — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Cooperman, Nina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mindfulness-based help for people on methadone for opioid use
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-
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
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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.
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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
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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.