A program to educate and support middle and high school students about substance use
A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Novel Drug Education and Diversion Program (iDECIDE) for Middle and High School Students
This study is testing a new drug education program for middle and high school students who have broken school rules about substance use to see if it helps them make better choices about drugs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06115746 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of the iDECIDE curriculum, a novel drug education and diversion program, for middle and high school students who have recently violated school substance use policies. Approximately 300 participants will be randomly assigned to either the iDECIDE program or a waitlist control group, with the aim of improving their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding substance use. The program includes behavioral support and psychoeducation delivered through videoconference or in-person visits over a four-week period. Participants will be monitored for one year to assess the impact of the intervention on their substance use outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle and high school students who have violated school substance use policies within the past month.
Not a fit: Patients who have previously received inpatient or specialty substance use treatment may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make healthier decisions regarding substance use, potentially reducing future substance-related issues.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar educational and diversion programs for substance use, indicating potential for positive outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Currently enrolled in middle or high school; 2. Violated school substance use policy within approximately the past month at the time of screening; 3. Have a parent or legal guardian who is able and willing to provide written informed consent (if under the age of 18); 4. Competent and willing to provide written informed assent (if under the age of 18) or written informed consent (if age 18 or older); 5. Able to commit to 9 study visits over approximately one year; 6. Able to safely participate in the protocol and appropriate for outpatient level of care, in the opinion of the investigator; 7. Has access to a reliable internet connection and a device that can run Zoom; 8. Able to read and write comfortably in one of the languages spoken by study staff. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Ever received substance use treatment in an inpatient or specialty care setting; 2. Ever engaged in intravenous (IV) drug use; 3. Current daily use of alcohol, non-medical benzodiazepines, and/or opioid use.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Randi M Schuster, PhD
- Email: rschuster@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6176436673
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.