Smartphone app to help Veterans with opioid use disorder

Developing a Smartphone Application to Support the Functional Needs of Veterans in Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06454903

This study is testing a new smartphone app designed to help Veterans with opioid use disorder by providing support and tools for their treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development (fed)
Locations1 site (West Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT06454903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to develop a mobile application called ACT to RECOVER, designed to support Veterans undergoing medication treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The app will incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles to enhance psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Veterans and clinical staff will provide feedback on the app's content during the initial development phase, ensuring it meets their needs. The app will include modules for behavior change, values clarification, and medication tracking, making it a flexible adjunct to traditional treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder who are actively receiving medication treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who have untreated major psychiatric disorders or are currently experiencing suicidal ideation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this app could significantly improve the quality of life and treatment engagement for Veterans with opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of mobile applications in mental health treatment is growing, this specific approach using ACT for Veterans with OUD is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

For the Phase 3, Stage 1b RCT we will be recruiting Veterans enrolled within the VA CT Healthcare System with:

* Current diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) indicated by either DSM-5-TR or ICD-9 or -10 codes
* Active Medication treatment for OUD prescription for buprenorphine or methadone (in any formulation)
* A working smartphone with wireless capabilities (to allow for download of ACT to RECOVER) or is willing to use a study-provided smartphone
* Competency to provide written informed consent
* 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants may not:

* Have been on MOUD, in their current treatment episode (i.e., since their most recent induction), for longer than 12 consecutive months prior to their baseline visit
* Have untreated major psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders)
* Be expressing current, active suicidal/homicidal ideation (i.e., current intent to harm themselves or someone else)
* Have any cognitive/medical impairment precluding study participation or use of smartphones/smartphone applications.

Where this trial is running

West Haven, Connecticut

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: Opioid-Related Disorders, Psychosocial Functioning, Quality of Life, Mobile Applications, Smartphone Apps, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, User-Centered Design

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.