Support for families grieving an overdose loss

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 compares a peer-delivered grief support program (RIVER) with enhanced care as usual for people bereaved by unintentional drug overdose. Participants are identified through collaborating medical examiner offices and work with Peer Support Community Partners alongside research teams from RAND and Stanford. Eligible adults (18+) who lost a loved one to an unintentional overdose within the past year and who can consent will be enrolled; people with active suicidal ideation or recent psychiatric hospitalization are excluded. Outcomes will include measures of prolonged grief, substance use, PTSD, depression, and related risk behaviors.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* people who lost a loved one to an unintentional drug overdose death within the past year
* age 18 and older
* fluently understand English or Spanish
* have the capacity to give consent (e.g., excluding those with severe cognitive impairment, those in active psychosis, and those with developmental disabilities).

Exclusion Criteria:

* people who need hospitalization for psychiatric symptoms or substance use disorders. (Note, people who use drugs but who do not require hospitalization will be included.)
* people have active suicidal ideation
* people who lost someone to a drug overdose death more than one year ago
* people who lost someone to a drug overdose death that was suicidal in nature or of undetermined intent

Where it's running

• Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office
  Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
• San Diego County Medical Examiner Office
  San Diego, California, United States Recruiting
• Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
  Farmington, Connecticut, United States Recruiting
• Peer Support Community Partners
  Watertown, Massachusetts, United States Active not recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alison Athey, PhD — Rand
• Study coordinator: Alison Athey, PhD
• Email: aathey@rand.org
• Phone: (703) 413-1100

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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.