Effects of work-focused programs on sobriety in Veterans with substance use disorders
Augmenting Early Phase Substance Use Treatment With Therapeutic Work Activity to Improve Clinical Outcomes: a New Indication for an Old Intervention
This study is testing if adding work-focused programs to regular treatment can help Veterans with substance use disorders stay sober and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (West Haven, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT04969081 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of work-focused therapeutic programs on sobriety and clinical outcomes in Veterans undergoing outpatient treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). Participants will be randomized into two branches based on their interest in competitive employment, with one group receiving referral to work-focused programs alongside standard treatment, while the other group will receive standard treatment alone. The primary aim is to assess the percentage of days abstinent and overall functioning over a six-month period, while secondary outcomes include psychiatric symptoms, self-esteem, and quality of life. The study aims to enroll a total of 140 Veterans, with 70 in each branch.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans enrolled in substance use treatment who are within 30 days of detoxification or last substance use.
Not a fit: Patients involved in legal cases that may lead to incarceration or those with medical conditions preventing therapeutic work activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance sobriety and overall quality of life for Veterans recovering from substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on work-focused programs for Veterans with SUD, similar approaches in other populations have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be Veterans enrolled in VACHS substance use treatment, who at time of consenting into the study are within 30 days of detoxification or last substance use as per medical record. * Additional criteria will be as follows: * 18 years of age and older, * meeting DSM-V criteria for any current Substance Use Disorder (SUD) (e.g., opioids, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamine, or alcohol), * competent to give written informed consent and HIPAA authorization. Exclusion Criteria: * involvement in a legal case that may lead to incarceration during study period; * developmental disability or medical illness that would prevent therapeutic work activity, as judged by PI or clinical staff providing this service; * plans to relocate outside geographic area that would make follow-up unlikely; * and/or lack of willingness to provide contact information of someone who can help us contact the participant in the event that we are unable to maintain contact directly.
Where this trial is running
West Haven, Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT — West Haven, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joanna M. Fiszdon, PhD — VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT
- Study coordinator: Joanna M Fiszdon, PhD
- Email: joanna.fiszdon@va.gov
- Phone: (203) 932-5711
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.