Substance use disorder affects millions of people in the United States, involving alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other drugs. Treatment typically combines behavioral therapy with medication for certain substances — methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder, and naltrexone or acamprosate for alcohol. Research is expanding to stimulants and other substances where medication options remain limited.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing new medications for methamphetamine and cocaine use disorder, where no FDA-approved drugs yet exist. Researchers are studying longer-acting formulations of buprenorphine and naltrexone to make treatment more convenient. Other areas include psychedelic-assisted therapy for addiction, vaccines that block drug effects, and brain stimulation techniques to reduce cravings.
Stimulant use disorder medications
Several trials are testing medications for methamphetamine and cocaine addiction, including drugs that reduce cravings or block the high. This addresses a major gap since no medications are yet approved for stimulant use disorder.
Long-acting formulations
Monthly and six-month versions of buprenorphine are being tested to eliminate daily dosing. Extended-release naltrexone injections are also being studied in new populations and settings.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Studies are testing psilocybin and other psychedelics combined with therapy for alcohol and tobacco addiction. Early results suggest these may help some people quit after one or a few sessions.
What to know before you search
Eligibility usually depends on the substance involved, how long you've been using, whether you're currently in treatment, and any medical or psychiatric conditions.
What types of trials are currently open
- Medication trials — Testing new drugs or new uses of existing drugs to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, or block the effects of substances. Many focus on stimulants where treatment options are limited.
- Long-acting formulation trials — Studies of monthly or longer-lasting versions of medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone to make treatment easier to maintain.
- Behavioral intervention trials — Testing therapy approaches, often combined with medication, including digital tools and apps that provide support between clinic visits.
- Psychedelic therapy trials — Studies combining substances like psilocybin or ibogaine with structured therapy sessions to treat alcohol, tobacco, or opioid addiction.
- Prevention and relapse trials — Testing strategies to prevent substance use disorder or help people stay in recovery after initial treatment.
Recently added Substance Use Disorder trials
Postpartum Intervention for Mothers With Opioid Use Disorders (R33)
Having met the milestones of the R61, this R33 is a 2-site, 2-group, pre/post RCT of mothers with OUD (n=\~80/group). We will test whether the beneficial pre-post changes in OUD mothers randomized to vMP exceed those of mothers assigned to Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) and via changes in Maternal Brain Neurocircuits.
Imaging CRF X NOP Interactions in Alcohol Use Disorder
This positron emission tomography imaging study uses \[C-11\]NOP-1A and hydrocortisone to image stress-modulating proteins in heavy drinking alcohol use disorder (AUD) subjects and healthy controls (HC). It will also characterize the role of these stress-regulating proteins in a relapse to alcohol.
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