Testing HOPE Therapy Alongside Medication for Adults With Opioid Use Disorder and PTSD

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a therapy called HOPE for individuals who have both opioid use disorder OUD and posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD. Up to half of people with OUD also experience PTSD, yet no established behavioral treatments currently address both conditions together. The study will test whether combining HOPE therapy with medications for opioid use disorder improves outcomes compared to medications alone. Researchers will also use daily assessments to track opioid use, cravings, and PTSD symptoms to better understand their relationship. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the HOPE therapy along with their usual medications for OUD or continue with medications and standard community substance use treatments without HOPE. The HOPE therapy involves 10 to 12 weekly sessions focusing on trauma and substance use. All participants will continue taking their prescribed medications for opioid use disorder throughout the study. During the study, participants will complete surveys and ecological momentary assessments that capture daily opioid use, cravings, and PTSD symptoms. The main outcomes measured are changes in opioid use and PTSD severity over the 12-week treatment period. The involvement includes attending therapy sessions if assigned, taking medications as prescribed, and completing regular assessments. The total participation duration is about 12 weeks, focusing on evaluating the combined treatments feasibility and effects.

Integrated Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder and PTSD