Using peer educators to prevent opioid overdoses and reduce stigma
Official title: A social diffusion fatal overdose prevention intervention: Assessing the effectiveness of people who use opioids as peer educators in training using & non-using networks on overdose & stigma reduction
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10850901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people who use opioids can teach their friends and family how to help prevent overdoses with a life-saving medication called naloxone, making it easier for everyone to talk about overdose prevention without feeling judged.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $754,011 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058659-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who use opioids and their social network members, including those who do not use drugs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in opioid use or do not have a social network that includes opioid users may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how people who use opioids can serve as peer educators to help prevent fatal overdoses. It focuses on training both users and non-users within their social networks to effectively respond to overdoses with naloxone, a life-saving medication. The study aims to address the stigma surrounding drug use that may hinder open discussions about overdose prevention. By employing a randomized controlled trial, the research will assess the effectiveness of this peer education approach in enhancing communication and preparedness among network members.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of fatal opioid overdoses by empowering communities to respond effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous interventions have shown promise in using peer educators for overdose prevention, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Latkin, Carl a — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Latkin, Carl a
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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.