Intervention for opioid use disorder and loneliness

Addressing Loneliness as a Therapy Target Among Individuals Using Opioids

Not applicable Interventional University of Rochester · NCT06458335

This study is testing whether different types of therapy can help people with opioid use disorder who feel lonely improve their social connections and overall health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rochester Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, New York)
Trial IDNCT06458335 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study enrolls 300 participants with opioid use disorder who also report feelings of loneliness. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: therapist-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for perceived social isolation, therapist-delivered health education, or self-guided health education. The interventions will consist of six weekly sessions lasting 40-60 minutes each. The study will assess changes in loneliness, substance use, social interactions, and overall health before, after, and at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have an opioid use disorder and experience feelings of loneliness.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a phone or the internet, or who cannot understand consent, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and social connections of patients struggling with opioid use disorder and loneliness.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies addressing opioid use disorder and loneliness separately, this specific combined approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Must be 18+
* understand English -have internet access-
* screen positive for an opioid use disorder
* screen positive for elevated loneliness

Exclusion Criteria:

* does not understand consent
* does not have consistent access to a phone and internet

Where this trial is running

Rochester, 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 Opioid Use DisorderLonelinessSocial Isolation
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.