Cognitive training for offenders with substance use disorders
Official title: Matching Treatments to Cognitive Deficits in Offenders With Substance Use Disorders
Run by The Mind Research Network · NCT06981351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if matching different types of brain training to the specific needs of offenders with substance use disorders can help them reduce drug use and improve their behavior.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 288 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Mind Research Network Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 18, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06981351 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are currently incarcerated individuals with a lifetime history of substance use disorder and specific cognitive deficits as identified by the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncorrectable auditory or visual deficits, current psychotic disorders, or major medical illnesses may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of two types of cognitive remediation training on behavioral outcomes such as substance use, institutional adjustment, and recidivism in offenders with substance use disorders. Participants will be assigned to either Attention to Context (ATC) training or Affective Cognitive Control (ACC) training based on their specific cognitive deficits. The study aims to determine if matching the type of cognitive training to the individual's deficit improves outcomes compared to mismatched training. Participants will undergo six sessions of cognitive skills training and complete behavioral assessments and MRI scans to evaluate changes in self-regulation and brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment strategies for reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation outcomes for offenders with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results in improving outcomes by matching cognitive training to specific deficits, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently incarcerated * No uncorrectable auditory or visual deficits * Able to speak and/or understand English * 5th grade reading level or higher * IQ score = 80 or above * Lifetime history of substance use disorder based on DSM criteria * No history of dementia or other cognitive disability * No indication of current psychotic disorder * No major medical illness or CNS disease * Scores from the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) meet criteria for one of the designated treatment groups Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where it's running
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Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carla Harenski
- Email: charenski@mrn.org
- Phone: 505-272-5028
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.