Helping young adults involved in the justice system reduce drug use
Reducing Opioid and Other Drug Use in Justice-Involved Emerging Adults Using Paraprofessional Coaches (With and Without Lived Experience) to Deliver Effective Services in a Non-Treatment Setting
This study is testing whether young adults involved in the justice system can reduce their drug use by working with coaches who have experience in recovery and can help them with job and education goals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chestnut Health Systems Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Eugene, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05834881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot project aims to improve access to evidence-based substance use practices for emerging adults involved in the criminal legal system by employing paraprofessional coaches. The study will randomly assign sixty participants to work with coaches, some of whom have lived experience with substance use recovery or criminal involvement. The focus is on using contingency management and vocational/educational coaching to enhance engagement and outcomes. Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be utilized to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are emerging adults aged 18-26 with a history of involvement in the criminal legal system and a substance use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently unhoused or qualify for federal disability benefits may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce substance use among justice-involved young adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of peer paraprofessional coaches is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting justice-involved emerging adults is relatively novel and under-researched.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
There are two types of participants in this study: (1) Paraprofessional Coaches and (2) Emerging Adult Clients Paraprofessional Coach Eligibility Criteria Inclusion: -Between 18-30 years old Exclusion: -Life threatening or unstable condition requiring treatment (e.g., suicidal/homicidal ideation) Emerging Adult Client Eligibility Criteria Inclusion: * 18-26 years old * Have current or historical lived experience with the juvenile or adult criminal legal system (e.g., probation, parole, diversion, deflection). * Screen positive for substance use disorder Exclusion: * Qualifying for federal disability benefits which would preclude them from engaging in educational/vocational coaching * Currently unhoused without a primary address * Life threatening or unstable condition requiring treatment (e.g., suicidal/homicidal ideation)
Where this trial is running
Eugene, Oregon
- Chestnut Health Systems — Eugene, Oregon, United States (Recruiting)
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.