Using online peer support to help patients with opioid use disorder start and continue medication treatment
Adapting the HOPE Online Support Intervention to Increase MAT Uptake Among OUD Patients
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-10219462
This study is looking at how an online support group can help people with opioid use disorder start and stick with their medication treatment, making it easier for them to get the help they need without feeling judged.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10219462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how an online peer support community can help individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) initiate and maintain their medication treatment. By recruiting participants online, the study aims to address barriers such as stigma and lack of knowledge that prevent many from accessing effective medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone. The approach involves a randomized controlled trial with follow-ups at 3, 6 months, and 1 year to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in increasing medication uptake. The goal is to leverage peer influence to change social norms around medication use for OUD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are seeking support to begin or continue medication-assisted treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with opioid use disorder or those who are already successfully engaged in medication-assisted treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of patients with opioid use disorder who start and sustain their medication treatment, ultimately reducing overdose deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that online peer support interventions can effectively improve health outcomes in various populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YOUNG, SEAN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: YOUNG, SEAN
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 below.