Mobile app for peer support in opioid use disorder recovery

Increasing Peer Support for OUD Recovery During COVID-19 Through Digital Health: A National Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Brown University · NCT05405712

This study is testing a mobile app that offers peer support to help people recovering from opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, to see if it works better than regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrown University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Indianapolis, Indiana and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05405712 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests a mobile app designed to provide peer support for individuals recovering from opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to compare the effectiveness of this app-based support against usual care in enhancing recovery capital, improving treatment retention, and reducing psychosocial distress among a national sample of 1300 participants. The approach leverages a randomized controlled trial design and utilizes a previously piloted online recruitment strategy to engage often-excluded populations. The intervention is intended to be accessible, personalized, and scalable, addressing the increased needs for support during the pandemic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who own a smartphone and identify as being in recovery from opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a smartphone or are currently incarcerated may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder by providing accessible peer support.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for peer support in addiction recovery, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English-speaking
* Age ≥ 18 years old
* Own their own smartphone
* Self-identifying as being in recovery from or treatment for an opioid use disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

* Does not have an Android or iOS platform smartphone
* Previous enrollment in the study
* Currently incarcerated
* Unable to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana and 1 other locations

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 Disorderdrug overdosesubstance-related disorderschemically-induces disordersFentanylAnalgesics, opioidNarcoticsNaloxone
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.