Pilot of two online programs to support people with substance use after release from federal prison
Pilot Trial of Digital Substance Use Disorder Interventions to Prevent Post-release Substance Use Disorder Relapse in Offenders in Correctional Service of Canada Custody
This project will test two online programs—Breaking Free Online and CBT4CBT—for people recently released from federal custody to help manage substance use and reduce the chance of returning to prison.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Brantford, Ontario and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07342218 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot will enroll adults aged 18–55 with a history of substance use who are living in community correctional residential centres after federal incarceration. Participants will use one of two digital interventions (Breaking Free Online, which includes CBT and mindfulness elements, or CBT4CBT) and be followed for six months. Investigators will compare engagement with each program and record rates of substance use relapse and re‑incarceration. The focus is on feasibility and usefulness of delivering digital treatments in a correctional-community setting to inform larger trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18–55 who have previously served a custodial sentence with the Correctional Service of Canada, currently reside in one of the participating community correctional or residential centres, and have a history of substance use problems.
Not a fit: People who have never served a custodial sentence with the Correctional Service of Canada, who live outside the specified Ontario facilities, or who are outside the 18–55 age range are not eligible and are unlikely to benefit from this pilot.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these accessible online programs could help people leaving prison manage cravings, build coping skills, and lower the risk of relapse and re‑incarceration.
How similar studies have performed: Digital CBT programs such as CBT4CBT have shown promising reductions in substance use in community trials, and Breaking Free Online has preliminary positive findings in criminal justice settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals who have previously served custodial services in the Correctional Services of Canada (csc). * Individuals who have a history of substance use problems (i.e., determined by them not being allowed to use substances as part their parole terms) * Individuals who current reside in a Community Correctional Centre or Community-Based Residential Facility * Individuals between 18-55 years old Exclusion Criteria: \- Individuals who have never served a custodial sentence with the CSC
Where this trial is running
Brantford, Ontario and 3 other locations
- Salvation Army Booth Centre — Brantford, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- The Salvation Army - Ellen Osler Home — Dundas, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- The St. Leonard's Society Of Hamilton — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- St Leonard's Clinton House — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James MacKillop, PhD, CPsych, FCAHS — Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
- Study coordinator: James MacKillop, PhD, CPsych, FCAHS
- Email: jmackill@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 905-522-1155 Ext. 3949
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.