tDCS to Decrease Opioid Relapse
Opioid DependenceCravingIn the current proposal, the investigators will measure behavioral and brain responses following transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (anode on right DLPFC, cathode on the left DLPFC) delivered during cognitive control network (CCN) priming. Participants with opioid dependence, in the first month of prescribed buprenorphine or methadone, will be assessed twice using functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) and electroencephalographic (EEG), once prior to tDCS+CCN priming and again at the completion of 5 sessions of tDCS+CCN priming (one week later). Task-based and resting state functional connectivity will be used to examine networks associated with craving (CR) and cognitive control. In Phase 1, FMRI and EEG will provide validation of expected changes in these networks following tDCS stimulation of the DLPFC. In phase 2, the investigators will perform a larger randomized clinical trial (RCT) (vs. sham control) to address long-term neurobehavioral outcomes, including opioid relapse, craving, and sustained FMRI changes.
Developing Brain Stimulation as a Treatment for Chronic Pain in Opiate Dependent
Chronic PainOpiate Dependence1 moreEffective control of chronic pain is a top priority in the United States, as approximately 10% of adults have severe chronic pain - most of which is chronic lower back pain (CLBP). However, despite the advances in neuroscience over the past 20 years, chronic pain is still largely treated with opiate narcotics, much as was done in the Civil War. In addition to the high abuse liability and dependence potential, only 30-40% of chronic pain patients declare they receive satisfactory (>50%) relief from their pain through pharmacological treatment. In these patients a common clinical practice is to escalate the dose of opiates as tolerance develops - which unfortunately has contributed to escalation in opiate overdose deaths, a resurgence of intravenous heroin use, and $55 billion in societal costs. Consequently there is a critical need for new, treatments that can treat pain and reduce reliance on opiates in individuals with chronic pain. Aim 1. Evaluate repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) as a tool to dampen pain and the engagement of the Pain Network. Hypothesis 1: DLPFC TMS will attenuate the baseline brain response to pain (Pain Network activity) and increase activity in the Executive Control Network (ECN) when the patient is given instructions to 'control' the pain. Aim 2. Evaluate Medial Prefrontal Cortex (MPFC) rTMS as a tool to dampen pain and the engagement of the Pain Network. Hypothesis 1: MPFC TMS will also attenuate the baseline brain response to pain (Pain Network activity) but will not effect the ECN or the Salience Network (SN) when the patient is given instructions to 'control' the pain.
The Navigator Trial
Opioid UseOpioid Dependence2 moreIn this study, the investigators will investigate if there is a better intervention for patients who present to the emergency department with an overdose or with symptoms consistent with drug use. There are currently two interventions that are routinely used when a patient comes to the Emergency Department with these criteria, and the investigators will compare the two. The first is when hospital social workers uses their own previous training to help people meet their goals. The second is when a person called a peer navigator, who is someone that has been in long-term drug recovery for over two years and has completed a lot of training to work with current drug users, delivers an intervention to current drug users and uses their own training and real- life experiences to help people meet their goals. The investigators hope to determine if patients have better outcomes if they work with one of these two groups. If a patient agrees to be in the study, the research staff will randomize them (like flipping a coin) to see if they will work with a social worker or a peer navigator. The research staff will distribute a survey in RedCap and the following information will be collected: age, sex, race, type of opioid used, and history of chronic pain, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Once the patient is assigned to a group, they will work with their assigned interventionist for the duration of the study. After this, the research team will track the patient to see if they joined an addiction-treatment program within 30 days of when the joined the study. The study team will also track patients to see if they had additional emergency department visits, additional overdoses, and if they successfully completed a treatment program over an 18-month period. 650 patients will be enrolled into the study.
Peer-Delivered Behavioral Activation for Methadone Adherence - Pilot Phase
Substance UseSubstance Use Disorders6 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a peer-led, brief, behavioral intervention to improve adherence to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among low-income, minoritized individuals living with opioid use disorder (OUD) in Baltimore, Maryland. The intervention is based on behavioral activation (BA) and is specifically designed to be implemented by a trained peer recovery specialist. In this pilot trial, the investigators will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of this approach (implementation outcomes) and preliminary effectiveness on methadone treatment retention at three months.
Perioperative Ketamine in Opioid-Tolerant Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery
Opioid DependenceChronic PainThe goal of this study is to determine whether comprehensive perioperative administration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine can increase postoperative pain tolerance and reduce opiate consumption in chronic back pain patients undergoing spinal laminectomy/fusion when compared to placebo Opioid dependence will be defined as daily opioid use (2 or more doses per day) for a period of two-months or longer. Intraoperatively, patients will receive a 1 mg/kg dose of intravenous ketamine or saline with 15 minutes after induction of general anesthesia. Thereafter, a continuous infusion of 0.20 mg/kg/hr ketamine with a maximum dose of 20 mg/hr or saline will be run to conclude at 24 hours after the end of the surgery (fascial closure). The primary outcome measure will be hydromorphone PCA usage during the first 72 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures will be VAS pain scores at rest and with movement in PACU, 24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr, 2 week (post-op visit), 6 week follow-up visit, as well as, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and emotional distress surveys assessing depression and anxiety at preop/screening, postop and 6 week follow-up (PROMIS Emotional Distress-Anxiety Short Form, PROMIS Emotional Distress-Depression Short Form), as well as a Neuro-QOL Short Form v1.1 - Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities .
Trial of Injected Liposomal Bupivacaine vs Bupivacaine Infusion After Surgical Stabilization of...
Drug EffectRib Fractures12 moreRib fractures represent a common injury pattern this is highly associated with patient morbidity and mortality, as pain control remains a challenge. Even after surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF), unsuccessful pain control can lead to morbid outcomes such as pneumonia and opioid dependence. Multi-modal anesthesia, with the use of thoracic epidurals and para-vertebral injections/catheters, has shown to lessen these occurrences but are subject to a wide array of limitations. A more directed therapy with liposomal bupivacaine has shown to provide sustained analgesia for up to 72 hours in patients who have undergone other types of thoracic surgery, but not SSRF. The hypothesis of the current clinical trial is that, among patients undergoing SSRF, liposomal bupivacaine delivered via video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is an intercostal nerve block that provides comparable analgesia to the pain catheter, as measured by pulmonary function, numeric pain scoring, and postoperative narcotic use.
Patient Driven Recovery With Nalmefene and Coaching
Opioid-use DisorderHarmful; Use1 moreIn collaboration with the First Pavlov State Medical University in St. Petersburg, Russia, we are proposing a pilot, open label, non-randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders combining Nalmefene and recovery coaching (educational and behaviorally oriented drug counseling). The proposed pilot study will also be used to further develop and refine the recovery coaching/counseling intervention and to train additional cadre of clinicians and researchers in St. Petersburg, Russia.
SUBLOCADE Rapid Initiation Extension Study
Opioid Use DisorderSevere2 moreA single center, open-label SUBLOCADE treatment extension study in which up to 25 participants diagnosed with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD) could be enrolled.
Pilot Test of Patient Decision Aid for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid Use DisorderThe aims of the current study phase (R21) are: Aim 1. Develop a patient decision aid (PtDA-MAT) by incorporating best available scientific evidence on MAT as well as feedback from patients and clinical providers related to clinical priorities, perceived utility, and acceptability; Aim 2. Conduct pilot testing of the PtDA-MAT in an iterative process guided by an expert panel and involving key stakeholders (e.g., patients, physicians, policymakers) and field-testing.
Buspirone for Opioid Tapering
Opioid-Related DisordersDependency (Psychology)3 moreThis is a pilot study to collect preliminary data to support a grant application. The goal of the study is to evaluate whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and generically-available medication buspirone reduces symptoms of opioid withdrawal among patients undergoing a clinically-indicated and supervised taper from their opioid pain medications. This is premised on strong preclinical scientific support but has not yet be well-examined in humans.