Using rewards to enhance treatment for opioid use disorder

Reward-based Technology to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Initiation After an ED Visit - Phase 2

Not applicable Interventional Q2i, LLC · NCT05180669

This study is testing if adding rewards for positive actions can help people with opioid use disorder stick to their treatment and feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQ2i, LLC Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05180669 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to improve treatment initiation and adherence for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) by integrating a reward-based contingency management system into existing technology. Patients presenting for acute care at UMass hospitals will be recruited and offered medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone. The enhanced Opioid Addiction Recovery Support (OARS) technology will provide rewards for positive behaviors such as attending therapy sessions and achieving drug-free urine tests. This approach seeks to address the low rates of treatment access and adherence commonly seen in OUD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are seeking help for opioid addiction-related health issues and are medically appropriate for outpatient Suboxone treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with persistent altered mental status or those unwilling to participate in Suboxone treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase treatment adherence and improve outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that contingency management interventions can be highly effective in improving treatment adherence in substance use disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. \>= 18 years old
2. Presenting for acute care at UMass University and Memorial hospitals, including EDs, inpatient medical units, or inpatient behavioral health units for opioid addiction related health complaints, including opioid overdose, opioid related medical consequences, opioid intoxication or withdrawal syndromes, and/or seeking help for OUD
3. Presence of a current DSM-V opioid use disorder (OUD), mild to severe
4. Medically appropriate for outpatient Suboxone treatment, as judged by the treating clinician and behavioral health consultant or toxicologist working with the patient clinically

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Persistent altered mental status (not alert, not oriented, psychotic).
2. Not interested or willing to participate in Suboxone treatment
3. Best referral site is NOT one of the study's partner clinics in the central MA region, which will be outpatient MAT clinics and primary care within the UMass system and the three other primary facilities outside of the UMass system.
4. Unwilling to use the OARSCM app (if assigned)
5. Does not have access to their own smartphone with at least iOS 7.1 or Android 4.2, the minimal technology required to run the app, or not willing to access clinic-dedicated computer to access the program
6. Currently in state custody or pending legal action that might lead to imprisonment
7. Cannot paraphrase the study requirements
8. Does not read or speak English
9. Does not reside in the central MA region
10. Already enrolled into the trial

Where this trial is running

Worcester, 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 DisorderSubstance Use DisorderContingency ManagementMedication for opioid use disorderMedication-assisted treatment
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.