Using hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help with methadone tapering

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) During Methadone Tapering in Human Subjects With Opioid Use Disorder

PHASE1 · Washington State University · NCT05924022

This study is testing if hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help people going through methadone tapering feel better and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWashington State University (other)
Locations1 site (Spokane, Washington)
Trial IDNCT05924022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at two different pressures compared to a sham treatment in alleviating withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing methadone tapering for opioid use disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: full HBOT, partial HBOT, or sham treatment, while receiving standard care for addiction withdrawal. The study also includes qualitative interviews to gather insights on participants' experiences with opioid treatment and recovery. A total of 36 participants will be enrolled to assess the impact of HBOT on withdrawal symptoms and the success of methadone dose reduction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old enrolled in a supervised opioid treatment program who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with certain medical or psychiatric conditions, such as active psychosis or severe claustrophobia, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly ease the withdrawal process for patients tapering off methadone, improving their chances of recovery from opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of HBOT for opioid withdrawal is a novel approach, previous studies have shown promising results in related areas, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Enrollment in a supervised opioid treatment program at the Spokane Regional Health District
* Age greater than 18 years
* Ability to read, speak, and write English
* Ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Any other medical or psychiatric condition that the PI, Co-PI (physician of record) or the Spokane Hyperbaric Center medical director determine might compromise safe study participation in the HBOT clinic (including but not limited to active psychosis, history of frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, severe anxiety with claustrophobia, aggression)
* Upper respiratory infection
* Emphysema
* Air cysts in the lung
* History of thoracic or ear surgery
* Taking the medication Antabuse for alcohol addiction
* High fever.

Where this trial is running

Spokane, Washington

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 Use Disorder

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.