Investigating pain response and opioid craving in individuals with opioid use disorder

Affective and Inflammatory Reactivity to Pain in Opioid Use Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Mclean Hospital · NCT04190563

This study is testing how pain response and cravings for opioids are connected in adults with opioid use disorder to see if it can help improve their treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMclean Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Belmont, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04190563 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationship between pain response and opioid craving in adults diagnosed with opioid use disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two educational sessions focused on pain management, followed by an assessment of their pain response. The goal is to understand how these factors interact and potentially influence treatment approaches for opioid use disorder.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of opioid use disorder and chronic pain.

Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing opioid withdrawal or those receiving opioid analgesics for pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with opioid use disorder, potentially reducing cravings and enhancing recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies have indicated that understanding pain and craving relationships can be beneficial in treating opioid use disorder.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18 years or older;
* diagnosis of opioid use disorder
* chronic pain
* ability to read and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* major psychiatric or medical condition that would interfere with participation
* current opioid withdrawal
* currently receiving opioid analgesic medication for pain
* recent history of myocardial infarction or other serious cardiovascular condition
* current peripheral neuropathy, active vasculitis or severe peripheral vascular disease
* systematic inflammatory or autoimmune disorder
* admitted to current treatment episode on an involuntary status

Where this trial is running

Belmont, Massachusetts

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 Disorder
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.