Double Blind Placebo Control Opipramol-Baclofen Treatment for Addiction
Drug AbuseThe aim of this study is examining the combination of two FDA approved drugs, Opipramol and baclofen, which may increase rehabilitation from psychoactive substances. Previous studies have indicated a connection of sigma-1 receptor to cocaine abuse and raised the possibility that these receptors as mediators of drug craving . However previous studies showed partial efficacy with no significant relapse in relapse rates. The same is true for the use of GABAb-1 receptor antagonist. Opipramol is a selective agonist for sigma-1 receptor. It is clinically used as an antidepressant and anxiolytic agent. Moreover, previous open and controlled trials indicated that the GABAb-1 antagonist baclofen partial efficacy in suppressing withdrawal symptoms in alcohol addicts and cocaine. Our studies in an animal model for addiction have shown a significant effect of the combine treatment of the indicated medications both in decreasing relapse and increase of -number of respondents.
The TAP Study: Treating People Who Inject Drugs in Community-Based Settings Using a Social Network...
Hepatitis CDrug Abuse1 moreThis study will investigate the feasibility of treating people who inject drugs (PWID) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in community-based settings with a 12-week course of oral therapy combination of sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir. It will also measure the effectiveness of using a social network-based approach to reduce HCV incidence among PWID.
cSBIRT to Reduce Teen Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Use
Tobacco AbuseAlcohol Abuse1 moreIn this project we will conduct a pilot study of a brief intervention to reduce teen tobacco, alcohol and drug use that primary care dental practitioners can provide in their offices.
A Dose Ranging Study of Modafinil for Methamphetamine Dependence
Substance DependenceAmphetamine DependencePatients treated for methamphetamine dependence have high rates of relapse, and no pharmacotherapy has yet been demonstrated to be efficacious. Modafinil (d, l-2-[(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide) is a novel wake- and vigilance-promoting agent that is chemically and pharmacologically dissimilar to CNS stimulants. It is well tolerated and has low abuse liability compared to CNS stimulants. Modafinil is FDA approved for a variety of sleep disorders, may relieve methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms, improves cognitive function, has been shown to reduce cocaine use in dependent users, and is safe when coadministered with intravenous methamphetamine. We will conduct a randomized dose ranging clinical trial of modafinil to establish its safety and efficacy as a pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence.
Computer-delivered Psychosocial Intervention for Adolescent Substance Use Disorders
Substance-Related DisordersAlcohol-Related Disorders1 moreThe purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a web-based, skills training program for adolescents with substance use disorders.
Peer-to-peer Tobacco and ENDS Prevention
Substance UseIn Phase I, the REAL media Plus prototype will be developed and a usability test conducted among students and teachers. In Phase II a group randomized trial will be conducted among 27 high schools to evaluate the effects of REAL media Plus on smoking and vaping.
Using Values to Enhance Inmates' Response to Substance Use and HIV Risk Feedback
Substance UseHIV Risk BehaviorA key component of effective offender treatment is an initial assessment of risk factors followed by feedback to facilitate problem awareness and engagement in appropriate treatment and/or behavior change. Feedback regarding areas of high risk, however, can be experienced as threatening. The investigators propose to develop, fine-tune, and pilot-test a computerized system for risk assessment and feedback, including evaluation of a brief pre-feedback prosocial values affirmation exercise (Cohen & Sherman, 2014) aimed at decreasing defensiveness and increasing inmates' willingness to access and process risk-relevant information and to utilize post-release treatment resources, thereby reducing post-release substance misuse, HIV risk behavior, and criminal recidivism. Participants will be 170 jail inmates nearing release into the community - 20 pilot participants and 150 study participants randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) Values Affirmation + Personalized Risk Feedback; (2) Personalized Risk Feedback only; (3) Control. The baseline and risk assessment, values affirmation manipulation, and personalized risk feedback will be presented via touch-screen computers, requiring minimal training to administer. Analyses will assess: The feasibility of utilizing a computerized system to assess and share risk information with jail inmates, including a brief values affirmation exercise to reduce defensiveness; The acceptability of this approach from the perspectives of jail staff and inmates themselves; The impact of the intervention on observed proximal outcomes (mechanisms of action), such as time spent viewing feedback, electing to print a copy of informational and treatment resources, and consequent changes in perceptions of risk, treatability, etc.; The impact of the intervention on key post-release outcomes including engagement in relevant treatment services, substance misuse, HIV risk behaviors, re-offense and re-arrest; The links between proximal outcomes (MOAs) and key post-release outcomes; Potential moderators of treatment effectiveness.
Effects of Physical Activity in Psychosis
SchizophreniaSubstance UsePhysical health problems are common in schizophrenia with a two- to three-fold increased morbidity and mortality rate, resulting in a 20 years reduction in life expectancy. A genetic vulnerability for developing cardiovascular disease has been documented in these patients, and many lifestyle factors also negatively influence physical health. Patients with schizophrenia are likely to smoke, are physically inactive and overweight, suffer from malnutrition due to unhealthy diet, and have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. Moreover, these patients have increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus type II and metabolic syndrome. These aspects demonstrate the need for multi-disciplinary treatments of patients with schizophrenia and underline the need for addressing their physical health. Poor physical fitness seems to be associated with exacerbated negative symptoms and increased cognitive dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. However, evidence on physical activity and its consequences in schizophrenia is scarce. In this randomized controlled trial we investigate the effects of high intensity training in outpatients with schizophrenia on psychotic symptoms and well-being, cognition and cortical structure, tobacco smoking and substance use, in addition to metabolic indices.
PrEP and Consumptions
Psychoactive Substance UseMood DisordersHIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with Truvada®, a combination of two antiretrovirals (tenofovir & emtricitabine) is a prevention strategy for HIV-negative people at high risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP has thus been integrated as a new tool to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Since its introduction, an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been observed, particularly in relation to the use of psychoactive substances in a sexual context (Chemsex). In this context, the description and evaluation of these practices seem necessary, as well as the impact on the risk of addiction and mental health.
Addiction in Adolescence - Pathomechanisms and Treatment Evaluation
Substance Use DisordersAdolescent BehaviorThis study aims to investigate the sociodemographic background as well as psychiatric comorbidities of adolescent substance users with substance use disorders. The study simultaneously evaluates biomarkers of stress and addiction, including long-term cortisol levels from hair samples and gene methylation in blood samples associated with substance use. Our study also adapts, rolls out, and evaluates an evaluated multimodal treatment manual wich was originally intended for stimulant drug users (MATRIX). We adopt this manual to the needs and specifics of adolescents (MATRIX-A, A=adolescents) with substance use disorders of any substance, including cannabis, methamphetamine, and alcohol. Adolescents will receive group therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, and medication if needed, while parents or professional caretaker will receive group sessions. Therapy outcomes will be examined in addition to parental distress and parenting skills.