What is this study trying to find out about opioid use disorder in Veterans?

This study aims to evaluate a brief behavioral intervention to help Veterans in early medication treatment for opioid use disorder improve their interpersonal functioning, community reintegration, and quality of life. The research will also assess how acceptable and feasible this treatment is for Veterans during early recovery.

Who may be eligible for this opioid use disorder clinical trial?

Adults 18 years and older diagnosed with moderate to severe opioid use disorder who have started medication treatment with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone within the last 12 weeks after at least 2 months without treatment may be eligible. Participants must be able to provide informed consent and not have active psychosis, mania, or cognitive impairment. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this opioid use disorder clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study intervention and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Participants may have personal travel expenses, which vary and may not be covered by the study.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID05189223

A Brief Values-Based Therapy to Support Veterans Starting Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Improving Interpersonal Functioning, Community Reintegration, and Quality of Life in Early Medication Treatment

Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-06-23

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a brief, values-based behavioral intervention to support Veterans with opioid use disorder OUD who are in early buprenorphine treatment. The goal is to improve interpersonal functioning, community reintegration, and quality of life during early medication treatment. The project follows the NIH Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development and includes phases for treatment development, pilot testing, and a pilot randomized controlled trial. The intervention consists of four weekly 50-minute sessions focused on values clarification, understanding the connection between values and addiction treatment engagement, addressing barriers and goal setting, and planning recovery. Phase 1 develops and refines the manual using interviews with Veterans and providers. Phase 2 tests the intervention in an open trial with 10 Veterans to refine the treatment and study procedures. Phase 3 involves a pilot trial with 40 Veterans receiving the finalized intervention, assessing feasibility and preliminary effects. Participants will engage in scheduled assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. Assessments include measures of interpersonal functioning, social support, quality of life, substance use, and treatment adherence. Study therapists adherence and competence will be monitored. Data will be securely managed, and participant feedback will guide further refinements. The study period spans multiple years, supporting treatment development and evaluation.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

A Brief Values Intervention to Support Veterans in Early Buprenorphine Treatment

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Meets current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - 5th Edition criteria for moderate to severe opioid use disorder
Within 12 weeks of starting buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone treatment after at least 2 months without treatment
Able to provide written informed consent

You will not qualify if you...

Active psychosis or mania
Suicidality requiring inpatient hospitalization
Active substance use requiring detoxification
Cognitive impairment interfering with study participation

Research Team

Victoria Ameral, PhD

Anne Marie Hernon

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