Using smartphone apps to help prevent relapse in people with opioid use disorder

Neurocognitive Mechanisms Underlying Smartphone-Assisted Prevention of Relapse in Opioid Use Disorder

NIH-funded research Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-10844489

This study is testing a smartphone app called OPTiMA to see if it can help people with opioid use disorder stay on track and avoid relapse, by giving them daily check-ins and personalized tips, while comparing it to a group that only gets regular monitoring.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Little Rock, United States)
Project IDNIH-10844489 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a smartphone application called OPTiMA, designed to help individuals with opioid use disorder prevent relapse. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the app, which includes daily self-monitoring and personalized feedback, or to a control group that only receives monitoring. The study aims to understand how the app influences opioid use over six months and to explore the brain mechanisms involved in treatment response through neuroimaging. By leveraging mobile technology, the research seeks to provide innovative support for those undergoing medication-assisted treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently receiving treatment for opioid use disorder or those who do not have access to smartphones may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a valuable tool for individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder, potentially reducing relapse rates and improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While smartphone apps have shown success in reducing other substance use, this specific approach for opioid use disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Little Rock, 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 2026-06-14 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.