Long-term treatment for opioid addiction through employment

Long-Term Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Northern Michigan University · NCT05534815

This study tests whether giving jobs to unemployed adults with opioid addiction can help them stay drug-free and improve their work situation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment225 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNorthern Michigan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Marquette, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT05534815 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to address the interrelated issues of opioid addiction and unemployment by implementing a Therapeutic Workplace model. Participants will be employed and paid to work, with the requirement to provide drug-free urine samples to maintain their wages, thereby promoting drug abstinence. The study seeks to evaluate the real-world impacts of this approach, which has shown promise in previous studies for maintaining drug abstinence and improving employment outcomes. The intervention focuses on adults with opioid use disorder who are currently unemployed and receiving maintenance treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are unemployed and enrolled in buprenorphine or methadone maintenance treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently incarcerated or experiencing recent hallucinations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve employment rates and reduce opioid use among participants, leading to better overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with employment-based abstinence reinforcement, making this approach promising but still requiring real-world validation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years old
* are enrolled at REACH for buprenorphine or methadone maintenance treatment
* unemployed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Applicants will be excluded if they report recent hallucinations and if they are currently a prisoner.

Where this trial is running

Marquette, Michigan

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 Drug AddictionEmployment
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.