Acupuncture treatment for chronic pain and opioid use disorder
The Acupuncture for Pain, Opioid Use Disorder and Mood (AcuPOM) Study: A Pilot Trial
This study is testing a special acupuncture treatment for people with chronic pain and opioid use disorder to see if it helps reduce pain and cravings over four weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Albert Einstein College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bronx, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06543355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate how patients with chronic pain and opioid use disorder respond to a modified acupuncture treatment protocol known as Battlefield Acupuncture combined with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol. Over a period of four weeks, approximately 20 participants will receive acupuncture treatments twice a week, along with at-home acupressure support. The study will assess feasibility and collect data on pain intensity, opioid cravings, mood, and other psychological factors throughout the treatment period. The findings may help inform future research on acupuncture as a therapeutic option for these conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been stable on methadone treatment for at least 12 weeks and experience moderate chronic pain.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have acute psychiatric conditions, or are planning surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain and opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored in various contexts, this specific combination of protocols for chronic pain and opioid use disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ≥18 years old, 2. English proficiency; 3. receiving methadone treatment at an OTP through the Montefiore network for at least 12 weeks, with no dose change in 14 days to ensure treatment stability; 4. chronic pain of at least moderate pain severity (score of at least 4 on the Pain, Enjoyment of Life and General Activity (PEG) scale); 5. willingness to participate in all study components; and 6. ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Have pending surgery or invasive pain management procedure; 2. Have a pending or planned relocation; 3. have an acutely or exacerbation of psychotic, suicidal, or homicidal conditions that preclude the ability to participate; and 4. pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Bronx, New York
- Montefiore Division of Substance Abuse (DoSA) Wellness Center at Melrose — Bronx, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica Bayner, MD — Montefiore Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jessica Bayner, MD
- Email: jbayner@montefiore.org
- Phone: 718-920-4736
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.