Treating Polysubstance Use Using a Novel Digital Technology
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2028-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effects of an app to reduce opioid and
cocaine use when layered atop methadone treatment as usual among people using both opioids
and cocaine. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Do people who use the app remain in methadone treatment longer than people who receive
only treatment as usual?
- Do people who use the app report using opioids and/or cocaine less often, and do they
report better improvements in their quality of life, than people who receive only
treatment as usual?
- Does using the app more lead to better methadone treatment outcomes among people using
the app?
Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to receive either the app or methadone
treatment as usual. Participants randomly assigned to the treatment as usual group will
receive access to methadone services as normally provided, including scheduled access to
medications, information about the consequences of opioid and other drug use, and any onsite
services (including group based interventions and/or 12-step programs). Those randomized into
the app-using group will receive all the same services as the treatment as usual group, but
will also be given a phone with the app already installed, or will have the app installed on
their existing phone if they already have one. At random times throughout the week, the app
will ask participants to submit drug tests for opioids and cocaine, which participants will
be able to do remotely without having to physically "go to" a testing site. For each test
that demonstrates the participant hasn't used opioids or cocaine, the participant will be
rewarded with money directly into a debit card. Participants will also be able to earn
rewards for picking up treatment-related medications, attending onsite appointments, and
other treatment-related activities.