A program to improve recovery for patients with opioid use disorder and chronic pain

Stepped Care for Patients to Optimize Whole Recovery

NA · Yale University · NCT05155163

This study is testing a new recovery program for people with opioid use disorder and chronic pain to see if it helps them feel better and manage their pain more effectively compared to standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment204 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University (other)
Locations2 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05155163 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial involves 204 patients with opioid use disorder and chronic pain, comparing standard treatment with a new approach called Stepped Care for Patients to Optimize Whole Recovery (SC-POWR). Participants will receive medications for opioid use disorder and be randomized to either standard treatment or SC-POWR, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and stress reduction techniques over 24 weeks. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of SC-POWR in reducing pain interference and improving various mental health outcomes. Participants will be followed for an additional 24 weeks to evaluate the long-term effects of the treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals seeking treatment for opioid use disorder who also experience chronic pain that impacts their daily life.

Not a fit: Patients with acute psychiatric conditions or those requiring immediate surgical interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients struggling with both opioid use disorder and chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using stepped care models for addiction and pain management, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Seeking treatment at APT Foundation
* Receiving medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD provided by APT)
* Have high impact chronic pain (\>= 3 months duration of pain occurring most days which limits life or work activities and/or leads to inability to work)
* Meet DSM-5 criteria for moderate to severe OUD
* In the past 2 months, has an opioid-positive urine test or self-reports opioid use
* Understand English
* Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have pending surgery or invasive pain management procedure
* Acutely psychotic, suicidal, or homicidal
* Psychiatric instability (e.g., recent suicide attempt)
* Have a contraindication to exercise (e.g. complete heart block)
* Have a pending or planned relocation or pending incarceration

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations

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: Opioid Use Disorder, Chronic Pain

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.