Protein supplementation to reduce cravings in addiction treatment

Effect of Protein Supplementation on Craving in Subjects Hospitalised for Addiction Treatment. Monocentric Pilot Study.

NA · Centre Hospitalier de PAU · NCT06459609

This study is testing whether adding protein to the diet can help people in addiction treatment feel fewer cravings for substances.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier de PAU (other)
Locations1 site (Pau)
Trial IDNCT06459609 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the impact of protein supplementation on cravings in patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders. Conducted at the Pau Hospital, the study employs a crossover design where participants will receive protein supplementation for one week followed by a week without it. The hypothesis is that protein may help reduce the intensity and frequency of cravings by influencing the brain's reward circuits. Participants will be assessed for their cravings, dietary needs, and consumption of addictive substances throughout the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who are admitted for complex care in the addictology department.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to milk protein or severe psychiatric conditions that impair their ability to understand assessments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce cravings in patients undergoing addiction treatment, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is evidence suggesting protein supplementation can reduce cravings for certain foods, this specific approach in addiction treatment is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female
* Aged 18 and over
* Admitted for complex care in the addictology department
* Person affiliated to or benefiting from a social security scheme
* Free, informed and written consent signed by the participant and the investigator

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to milk protein
* Admitted to hospital for less than 3 weeks
* Severe somatic or psychiatric pathology incompatible with understanding assessment tools
* Difficulty understanding and/or writing French
* Presumed non-compliant in completing the patient diary
* Person participating in another research study with an exclusion period still in progress
* Person under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship)

Where this trial is running

Pau

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Addiction, addiction, craving, protein supplementation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.