Addressing Loneliness as a Therapy Target Among Individuals Using Opioids
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Sponsor
- University of Rochester
- Enrollment
- 300
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Mean change in loneliness
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 4 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to enroll 300 participants who will be assigned to one of three 3 groups. Each group will receive an intervention lasting 6, weekly sessions of 40-60 minutes. Eligibility include having an opioid use disorder and reporting loneliness or feeling alone or disconnected.
Detailed Description
Individuals (n = 300) with an opioid use disorder reporting loneliness will be randomized to either (1) therapist-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for perceived social isolation, (2) therapist-delivered Health Education, or (3) self-guided Health Education. Loneliness, opioid and other substance use, the amount of social interactions, social support, and mental and physical health factors prior to starting the treatment, after completing the treatment, and 1, 3, and 6 months following the treatment will be assessed to see how well they work compared to each other.
Investigators
Lisham Ashrafioun
Assistant Professor
University of Rochester
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Must be 18+
- •understand English -have internet access-
- •screen positive for an opioid use disorder
- •screen positive for elevated loneliness
Exclusion Criteria
- •does not understand consent
- •does not have consistent access to a phone and internet
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Mean change in loneliness
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 months
Loneliness will be measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. A 20-item scale designed to measure one's subjective feelings of loneliness as well as feelings of social isolation. Participants rate each item as 1 (never), 2 (rarely), 3 (sometimes) or 4 (often). The scores range from 20-80 with higher scores indicating worse outcome.
Mean change in number of days of opioid use
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 months
Participants will complete a calendar indicating the type and frequency of drug use.
Secondary Outcomes
- mean change in social interactions(Baseline to 6 months)
- Mean change in depression(Baseline to 6 months)
- Mean change in anxiety(Baseline to 6 months)