Exploring self-driven artmaking for managing chronic pain and opioid use disorder

Assessing the Efficacy of Self-Driven Repetitive Artmaking Practice on Pain and Mood States for Patients With Chronic Pain, Opioid Use Disorder, and Opioid Misuse

Not applicable Interventional Montefiore Medical Center · NCT06554431

This study is testing if making art on your own can help people with chronic pain and opioid use disorder feel better and improve their mental health and social connections.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMontefiore Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bronx, New York)
Trial IDNCT06554431 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the acceptability of self-directed artmaking as a method for managing chronic pain in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) or opioid misuse. Participants will receive three art kits and engage in an introductory workshop, after which they will complete pre- and post-surveys to assess their pain, anxiety, depression, and social connectivity before and after using the kits at home. The study aims to determine if this creative practice can provide relief from pain and improve mental health and social connections. A subset of participants will also provide qualitative feedback through a virtual group discussion.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older who experience chronic pain and have a diagnosis of opioid use disorder or opioid misuse.

Not a fit: Patients who are not fluent in English or Spanish or who cannot participate in the introductory workshop may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a novel, accessible method for managing chronic pain and improving mental health in patients with opioid-related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of art therapy in pain management is gaining interest, this specific approach of self-driven artmaking for opioid-related disorders is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Experience chronic pain
2. Have received medication for OUD in the past 30 days or meet criteria for opioid misuse
3. Are aged 18 or older
4. Are fluent in English and/or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Are not fluent in either English or Spanish
2. Are unable to participate in and complete the introductory workshop due to language or other barriers - physical disabilities are not exclusionary
3. Do not otherwise meet the inclusion criteria for age, OUD, Opioid misuse, and chronic pain.

Where this trial is running

Bronx, New York

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 Chronic PainOpioid Use DisorderOpioid MisuseOpioid-Related Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.