Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 99

STAR Project: Supporting Recovery for People with Criminal Legal System Involvement

Official title: Support Towards Addiction Recovery for Individuals With Criminal Legal System Involvement: The STAR Project

Run by University of Kentucky · NCT07596251 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new coaching program tests whether paired Recovery Coach and Loved One Coach sessions help people in recovery from substance use and their supporters see better recovery outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment8 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Kentucky
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lexington, Kentucky)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 15, 2026
Main results expectedMarch 1, 2031
Study endsMarch 1, 2031
Registry record updatedOctober 22, 2026
Trial IDNCT07596251 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults 18+ with recent criminal legal system involvement and a substance use disorder who want to work with a recovery coach and have a willing loved one to participate.

Probably not a fit

People without a willing support person or those not engaging with coaching may not experience the potential benefits.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study tests a paired coaching approach for adults recovering from substance use who have current or recent involvement with the criminal legal system, along with a designated loved one. In Year 1, a small pilot will assess feasibility. In Years 2–5, the study will evaluate whether the STAR intervention improves recovery capital for the recovering person, enhances well-being and knowledge for the loved one, and strengthens social support for both participants. Participants meet one-on-one with coaches during a six-week period and also join a four-person group session, followed by follow-up interviews.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience stronger support, better coping resources, and improved recovery progress.

How similar studies have gone: Previous programs with recovery coaching show promise in improving engagement and outcomes, but this paired coach approach is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Recovering Persons:
* At least 18 years old
* Must have been involved with the criminal legal system (arrested, incarcerated, or on community supervision like parole or probation) within the past 12 months
* Substance use disorder within the past 12 months
* Interested in working with a recovery coach to support your recovery (defined as engaging in any changes to improve your health and wellness)
* Can identify at least one person who is supportive of their recovery.
* Loved Ones:
* At least 18 years old
* Interested in receiving additional supports and/or information about their loved one's substance use and criminal legal system involvement
* Anticipate being available for weekly participation in intervention activities
* Willing to support their loved one's recovery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Loved ones:
* Already have a professional relationship with the recovering person (e.g., as a counselor, sponsor, or peer recovery support specialist)
* Meet substance use disorder criteria for any past 30-day drug or alcohol use
* Have a history of domestic violence or protective orders.

Where it's running

  • University of Kentucky
    Lexington, Kentucky, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.