Using telehealth to reduce loneliness in people with opioid use disorders
Official title: Addressing perceived social isolation as a novel therapeutic target among individuals with OUD using telehealth CBT
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11117106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely affects people with opioid use disorders and is testing a new online therapy to help them feel more connected and improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,129 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060966-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorders who experience feelings of social isolation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorders or those who do not experience perceived social isolation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how perceived social isolation, or loneliness, affects individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD) and explores a new treatment approach using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Perceived Social Isolation (CBT-PSI) delivered via telehealth. The study aims to address negative beliefs and emotions that contribute to feelings of loneliness, which can lead to increased opioid use and relapse. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either therapist-delivered CBT-PSI, therapist-delivered Health Education, or self-guided Health Education over six weekly sessions. By focusing on improving social support and reducing negative affect, the research seeks to enhance recovery outcomes for individuals struggling with OUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and recovery outcomes for patients with opioid use disorders by reducing feelings of loneliness.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting perceived social isolation in individuals with OUD, effective interventions for loneliness have shown promise in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashrafioun, Lisham — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Ashrafioun, Lisham
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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.