Connecting incarcerated adults with virtual peer recovery coaches to support addiction care
Official title: Linking Individuals Needing Care for Substance Use Disorders to Peer Coaches & Across INcarceration Settings
Run by Emory University · NCT07563517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a virtual peer recovery coach program helps people in jail link to and stick with addiction treatment compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 550 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 2027 |
| Main results expected | March 2030 |
| Study ends | March 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07563517 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Incarcerated adults with substance use disorders at participating Atlanta jails who speak English, have sufficient DAST-10 scores, and have reliable contact information.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without access to or benefit from the PRC resources, or those not adherent to follow-up, may not see improvement.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study enrolls adults in several Atlanta-area jails and compares a telehealth-based virtual peer recovery coach (PRC) intervention to Treatment as Usual. PRCs use motivational interviewing and help participants connect to recovery resources, with follow-up assessments over one year. The phased implementation allows facilities to shift from usual care to the PRC model and evaluate implementation alongside outcomes. Primary outcomes include engagement with at least one recovery resource at 30 and 90 days, while secondary outcomes cover substance use, recovery capital, overdose events, and recidivism. Participants are adults with substance use disorders, English-speaking, and with a DAST-10 score indicating moderate to severe problems, who have reliable contact information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience improved access to addiction treatment and resources during incarceration and after release.
How similar studies have gone: Previous settings show peer coaches can support engagement in care, but effectiveness in jail environments is less established and this study tests that applicability.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Incarcerated at participating jail * Able to speak and understand English * Score of 3 or greater - "moderate level", "substantial level", or "severe level" of problems related to drug abuse - on DAST-10. * Willing to follow study procedures and complete research follow-up calls * Have at least two reliable contact numbers, e.g. participant and one or more relatives or close friends Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment (inability to comprehend the informed consent document as assessed by study staff during enrollment) * Prior participation in the study * Awaiting transfer to prison or jail outside the state of Georgia
Where it's running
-
Atlanta City Detention Center
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Fulton County Jail
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Dekalb County Jail
Decatur, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph Carpenter, MD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Joseph Carpenter, MD
- Email: jecarpe@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-778-5975
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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.