A program for transgender adults to support recovery from substance use and HIV risk

A Gender-Affirming Stigma Intervention to Improve Substance Misuse and HIV Risk Among Transgender Women

NA · Illinois Institute of Technology · NCT06880705

This study is testing a support program for transgender adults to see if it can help them reduce substance use and lower their risk of HIV.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment124 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIllinois Institute of Technology (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06880705 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests the TLC program, a mutual-help group designed for transgender adults who use substances or are in recovery. The program is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which utilizes mindfulness skills to help participants connect with their values and improve mental health. Developed collaboratively by transgender community members, mental health providers, and researchers, the TLC program aims to address the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals, including stigma and its impact on substance use and HIV risk. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of this program in reducing substance misuse and improving health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are transgender adults aged 18 and older who have experienced substance use problems in the past year.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as transgender or who have not experienced substance use issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health and reduce substance misuse among transgender individuals, ultimately decreasing their risk for HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using community-based interventions for substance use and mental health support among marginalized populations, indicating potential for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Eligible transgender adults must:

1. be 18 years of age or older;
2. speak primarily English;
3. live in the U.S.;
4. have a gender identity different from their assumed gender, or sex assigned, at birth;
5. identify as a person of transgender experience;
6. endorse having experienced two or more problem(s) related to alcohol or other drug use within the past 12 months.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Substance Abuse, Substance Addiction, Substance Use Disorder, Substance Use, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Substance misuse, HIV risk, Stigma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.