Project STRONGER Stepped Care for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Engagement and Recovery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new stepped care model called PCT2HOPE compared to usual treatment to improve retention in medication for opioid use disorder MOUD among women who have experienced intimate partner violence IPV. The study focuses on women with PTSD-related impairment and opioid use disorder, examining how these treatments affect retention in MOUD and secondary outcomes including trauma symptoms, depression, opioid use, recovery, and empowerment. The study also explores how access to basic needs may influence treatment effectiveness and includes a process evaluation focused on implementation. Participants assigned to the PCT2HOPE group first attend eight 1-hour group sessions over 12 weeks using Present-Centered Therapy PCT to address daily problems linked to PTSD-related impairment. After 12 weeks, those not retained in MOUD or showing moderate or higher PTSD-related impairment receive a step up to HOPE, which consists of 10 individual 1-hour sessions over 14 weeks focused on trauma-related empowerment and cognitive behavioral therapy skills. Participants also receive referrals to community resources and domestic violence services. The comparison group receives treatment as usual. During the study, participants will be monitored for retention in MOUD treatment at 26 weeks, along with assessments of PTSD-related psychosocial functioning, opioid use disorder symptoms, extra-medical opioid use, urine opioid tests, depression, recovery, and empowerment. Participants must be available for group sessions and able to understand English. The study involves random assignment without masking and is sponsored by Yale University, with the trial expected to run until August 2029.

Project STRONGER: Stepped Care for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Engagement and Recovery