Cognitive training for offenders with substance use disorders

Matching Treatments to Cognitive Deficits in Offenders With Substance Use Disorders

Not applicable Interventional The Mind Research Network · NCT06981351

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment288 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexMale
SponsorThe Mind Research Network Academic / other
Locations1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Trial IDNCT06981351 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients with uncorrectable auditory or visual deficits, current psychotic disorders, or major medical illnesses may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results in improving outcomes by matching cognitive training to specific deficits, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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:

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Where this trial is running

Albuquerque, New Mexico

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.
Conditions Antisocial BehaviorCognitive skills trainingAttention to ContextAffective Cognitive Control
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.