Actively Recruiting
Houston Emergency Engagement System for Youths and Adolescents to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Led by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Updated on 2025-10-01
250
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the Houston Emergency Response Opioid Engagement System for Youths and Adolescents (Young HEROES), a community-based program designed to support youths with opioid use disorder (OUD). The study aims to compare how different approaches affect engagement and retention in treatment, while understanding the rates of opioid overdoses and OUD among youth in Houston. This non-randomized cohort study involves youths aged 13 to 17 who have experienced opioid dependence or overdose. The study provides treatment involving same-day induction into medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) using an 8mg buprenorphine/2mg naloxone combination, combined with behavioral counseling, peer recovery support, and assertive outreach by a paramedic and peer coach. Participants receive ongoing maintenance treatment, referrals to youth-focused support groups, and long-term MOUD provider referrals. Weekly outreach efforts support youths after opioid overdoses to encourage treatment initiation. Participants will be assessed on engagement and retention in outpatient treatment 30 days after enrollment, along with opioid abstinence. Researchers also monitor quality of life, relapse rates, and frequency of opioid emergencies over an average of three years. Assessments include drug screening and medical evaluations, while peer support is available 24/7. Participation involves signing informed consent and assent, with monitoring of safety and treatment adherence throughout the study period ending in August 2030.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Young Houston Emergency Opioid Engagement System
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- In otherwise good health based on physician assessment and medical history
- Drug screen positive for opioids
- Patients express a willingness to stop opioid use
- Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for opioid dependence
- Patients must be able to speak English
- Be agreeable to and capable of signing the informed consent and assent (parent or guardian must consent, minor must assent)
You will not qualify if you...
- Non-English-speaking patients
- Have a known sensitivity to buprenorphine or naloxone
- Be physiologically dependent on alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other drugs of abuse that require immediate medical attention. Other substance use diagnoses are not exclusionary.
- Have a medical condition that would, in the opinion of the study physician, make participation medically hazardous, including unstable cardiovascular disease, neurological deficits, trauma, acute hepatitis, stroke, and liver or renal disease
- Be acutely psychotic, severely depressed, and in need of inpatient treatment, or is an immediate suicide risk
- Be a nursing or pregnant female
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Ongoing maintenance treatment following induction
Participants begin medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine/naloxone, receive individual counseling, peer recovery support, support group referrals, and assertive outreach to support engagement and retention.
Weekly visits for outreach and counseling with additional support as needed
Duration - Up to 3 years
Participants are monitored for engagement, retention, relapse, and quality of life throughout the study period.
Periodic assessments depending on participant progress
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
James R Langabeer, PhD
M
Meredith M O'Neal, MA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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