Using Naltrexone and real-time support to help reduce methamphetamine use in MSM

The ION+EMI Study: Intermittent Oral Naltrexone enhanced with an Ecological Momentary Intervention for Methamphetamine-using MSM

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10670945

This study is looking at whether taking a medication called naltrexone, along with real-time support through a special app, can help men who have sex with men and are living with HIV cut down on their methamphetamine use.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10670945 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of intermittent oral naltrexone, combined with an ecological momentary intervention (EMI), to help reduce methamphetamine use among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those living with HIV. The approach involves providing real-time support and interventions tailored to the individual's context, which may help improve adherence to treatment and reduce risky behaviors associated with meth use. Participants will receive naltrexone, a medication that blocks the effects of opioids, which has shown promise in reducing relapse to methamphetamine use. The study aims to fill a significant gap in effective treatments for methamphetamine use in this high-risk population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 21 and older who are currently using methamphetamine and may also be living with HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use methamphetamine or who are not part of the MSM community may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new effective treatment option for reducing methamphetamine use and improving health outcomes for MSM, particularly those living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the combination of naltrexone and EMI for methamphetamine use, similar interventions have shown promise in other substance use contexts.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 2026-06-15 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.