Using music to help reduce cravings in patients with opioid use disorder

Effect of Music on Cue Reactivity for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Brigham and Women's Hospital · NCT06948890

This study tests whether listening to different types of music can help people with opioid use disorder feel less cravings and support their recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment28 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06948890 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research explores how music can influence cravings and recovery in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The study examines the effects of different musical genres on cue-induced cravings, aiming to determine if music can serve as a tool to diminish cravings triggered by drug-related cues. By employing a mixed methods experimental framework, researchers will assess participants' relationships with music and its potential role in their recovery process. The findings could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for reducing relapse rates among those struggling with OUD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 years or older who have a current diagnosis of opioid use disorder and are receiving stable treatment with buprenorphine or methadone.

Not a fit: Patients with significant mental impairments, hearing or vision impairments, or those currently prescribed naltrexone or opioid analgesics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-pharmacological intervention to help patients manage cravings and improve recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of music in addiction treatment is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in using music for emotional regulation and anxiety reduction, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 years or older
* Current diagnosis of opioid use disorder
* Actively receiving buprenorphine or methadone treatment with a stable dose of at least 30 days

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any significant impairment in mental status that would interfere with the ability to provided informed consent including suicidality, homicidality, or psychosis.
* Hearing impaired
* Vision impaired
* Patient reports that they are pregnant
* Requiring the use of any prescription opioid analgesics during the trial
* Currently prescribed naltrexone
* Chronic pain, defined as pain on the numeric rating scale (0-10) of \>3 every day for over 3 months.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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.
Conditions Opioid Use Disorderopioidopioid use disordermethadonebuprenorphinemusiccue reactivity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.