Comprehensive drug rehabilitation using music therapy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

FALCO is a pragmatic, parallel three-arm randomized trial enrolling about 600 adults with substance use disorders across multiple international sites. Participants are randomized to Active Music Group (AMG), Music Listening Group (MLG), or Treatment as Usual (TAU), with AMG and MLG delivered weekly in groups by qualified music therapists for sessions up to 90 minutes. The trial is assessor- and statistician-blinded and compares the long-term effects of the two music therapy approaches versus local usual care on addiction-related outcomes. Participants continue any locally offered treatments while taking part.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* patients seeking or receiving treatment at the recruitment site for an existing substance use disorder based on ICD-10 criteria
* ≥18 years old
* not currently undergoing detoxification (detoxification has been completed or is not currently planned at the time of recruitment)
* any type of substance use including polysubstance and alcohol use

Exclusion Criteria:

* exclusively nicotine dependence
* psychotic episode in the last 3 months
* insufficient language skills to participate in treatment without the use of a translator
* hearing impairment that considerably impairs hearing of music played at a moderate volume (not relevant if hearing is sufficiently compensated by a hearing aid)
* existing diagnosis of dementia
* is currently receiving music therapy or has received music therapy (i.e. at planned and reoccurring intervals, not counting single random occurrences) during the past year

Where it's running

• Anton Proksch Institut
  Vienna, Austria Recruiting
• Herzog College
  Jerusalem, Israel Recruiting
• University of Pavia
  Pavia, Italy Recruiting
• University of Bergen / NORCE Research AS
  Bergen, Norway Recruiting
• WOTU / University of Gdansk
  Gdansk, Poland Recruiting
• Fundacio Sanitaria d'Igualada
  Barcelona, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christian Gold, PhD — NORCE Research Centre
• Study coordinator: Christian Gold, PhD
• Email: chgo@norceresearch.no
• Phone: +47 975 01 757

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.