Peer support to improve treatment for polysubstance addiction

Peer-Delivered, Behavioral Activation Intervention to Improve Polysubstance Use and Retention in Mobile Telemedicine OUD Treatment in an Underserved, Rural Area

Not applicable Interventional University of Maryland, College Park · NCT05973838

This study tests whether a peer support program can help people in rural areas stick to their medication for opioid use and reduce their use of other substances.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, College Park Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05973838 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a peer-led behavioral intervention aimed at enhancing adherence to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and reducing polysubstance use among patients in underserved rural areas. The intervention, known as Peer Activate, is based on behavioral activation and is implemented by trained peer recovery specialists. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, the study compares the outcomes of Peer Activate against standard treatment over a twelve-month period. The initiative addresses the challenges of treatment retention and polysubstance use exacerbated by limited access to care in rural communities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are receiving treatment for opioid use disorder and have a history of polysubstance use.

Not a fit: Patients with active, unstable psychiatric symptoms or those unable to provide informed consent in English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve treatment retention and reduce substance use among patients with opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for peer-led interventions in improving treatment adherence and outcomes for substance use disorders, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patient participants in the RCT must be 18 or older; receive OUD treatment as part of the telemedicine program; and exhibit polysubstance use within the past three-months (i.e., use of one or more non-prescribed substances (excluding opioids and/or tobacco) by urine toxicology or self-report.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Demonstrating active, unstable or untreated psychiatric symptoms, including mania and/or psychosis that would interfere with study participation
* Inability to understand the study and provide informed consent in English

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 3 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 Polysubstance AddictionOpioid Medication Assisted TreatmentTreatment AdherenceRetention in CareSubstance-Related DisordersOpioid-Related DisordersPolysubstance UseMental disorders
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.