Exploring future thinking to help individuals with cocaine use disorder
Test Reinforcer Pathology Via Manipulation of the Temporal Window With Successive Episodic Future Thinking Generation.
This study is testing if thinking about the future can help people with cocaine use disorder reduce their drug use and improve their recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roanoke, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05507814 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the effects of episodic future thinking (EFT) on individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) by comparing it to control episodic thinking (CET). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group and will engage in a series of sessions over four weeks, generating future-oriented thoughts while undergoing neuroimaging and stress probes. The study will assess how these cognitive strategies influence their cocaine use and overall recovery process. Urine samples will be collected to monitor substance use throughout the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have a recent history of cocaine use and a desire to reduce their cocaine consumption.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe opioid use disorder or those with psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance therapeutic strategies for individuals struggling with cocaine use disorder by improving their ability to envision a positive future.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of manipulating temporal thinking in CUD is novel, related studies have shown promise in using cognitive strategies to aid in substance use recovery.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. demonstrate recent cocaine use and CUD (use in last month, DSM-5 for CUD \> 4) 2. be 18 years of age or older 3. have a desire to quit or cut down on their cocaine use, but do not have proximate plans to enroll in treatment for CUD during the study period Exclusion Criteria: 1. meeting moderate to severe DSM-5 criteria for opioid use disorder 2. having a current diagnosis of any psychotic disorder 3. having a history of seizure disorders or traumatic brain injury 4. having any contraindication for participation in the MRI sessions
Where this trial is running
Roanoke, Virginia
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC — Roanoke, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephen LaConte, PhD — Virginia Polytechnic and State University
- Study coordinator: Kirstin Gatchalian
- Email: kmgatch@vt.edu
- Phone: 540-526-2071
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.