Intervention for managing emotional reactions in people with anxiety and substance use disorders

Project IMPROVE: Intervention for Managing Physical Reactions to Overwhelming Emotions

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University · NCT06299657

This study is testing a new program called IMPROVE to see if it can help adults with anxiety and substance use issues feel better while they are in treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06299657 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates a new intervention called IMPROVE, designed to help individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) who also experience elevated anxiety. The study will enroll 40 adults currently in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and will randomly assign them to either the IMPROVE intervention or an active control group receiving physical health education. Participants will undergo baseline assessments and complete ecological momentary assessments via smartphone over a 28-day period to track mood, substance use, and physiological responses. The goal is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the intervention in improving clinical outcomes and reducing attrition rates in IOP.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who are enrolled in an IOP for substance use and have elevated anxiety levels.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those with psychiatric conditions that prevent informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited empirical support for similar interventions, the study aims to fill a gap in treatment options for individuals facing both anxiety and substance use disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusionary Criteria:

Participants will be eligible for enrollment if they:

1. recently enrolled in the Talbot Hall IOP
2. \>18 years old
3. PROMIS Anxiety Short Form total score is 13 or greater

Exclusionary Criteria:

1. do not pass the Informed Decision-Making Capacity (IDMC) screener, suggesting severe cognitive impairment
2. presence of a psychiatric or medical condition that would prevent them from providing informed consent or from participating in the treatments (e.g., psychosis, mania, acute intoxication)
3. no or limited access to a smartphone that is compatible with the EMA application

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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 AnxietySubstance Use Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.