Active clinical trials for "Substance-Related Disorders"

The purpose of this study is to determinate the effect of a pre-treatment with centrally acting alpha2-receptor agonist clonidine on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy"). The investigators hypothesize that clonidine will attenuate the subjective and cardiovascular response to MDMA.

Background: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and researchers are interested in gaining a better understanding of the perceived beneficial effects of nicotine to help improve treatment strategies for nicotine dependence. Understanding the conditions under which nicotine improves attention and cognitive processing may provide more useful information for this research. The ability to pay attention and filter relevant from irrelevant stimuli is central to all aspects of information-processing. Top-down and bottom-up attentional processes illustrate how the brain combines stimuli and goal-directed behaviors. Bottom-up processing is an unconscious response to sensory input; for instance, when the eyes automatically focus on a prominent image in a picture. Top-down processing is a conscious response to drive attention toward specific stimuli; for instance, when a person is asked to focus on a less immediately noticeable image in a picture. Researchers are interested in determining whether nicotine improves cognitive performance by acting on top-down or bottom-up attentional mechanisms. Objectives: - To investigate the effect of nicotine on the top-down and bottom-up mechanisms of attention in cigarette smokers. Eligibility: - Current smokers (at least 10 cigarettes per day for at least 1 year) between 18 and 55 years of age. Design: This study will involve one training session and four experimental sessions. During the training session, participants will receive a sample dose of the nicotine nasal spray used in the study to determine if they can tolerate the effects. For each experimental session, participants will receive one dose of nicotine nasal spray (1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg) or placebo spray, followed by blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, performance of an attentional test, and questionnaires to rate participants perception of nicotine effectiveness. Participants may receive different doses at different sessions, and will not be told which dose they will receive at any given point.

The purpose of this study is to determinate the effect of a pre-treatment with the combined serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) transport blocker duloxetine on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy"). The investigators hypothesize that duloxetine will attenuate the subjective and cardiovascular response to MDMA.

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effects of rivastigmine and huperzine A (HupA), potential treatments for cocaine abuse, when used before experimental administration of cocaine, on a number of physical and psychological measures.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether disulfiram might be a safe and effective treatment for cocaine and/or alcohol dependence in patients with HIV disease. This research is designed to characterize the presence or absence of significant drug interactions between disulfiram and HIV medications using standard clinical pharmacology techniques as well as monitor any side effects that might occur when these medications are administered together.

This study is examining the relative effects of alternative aftercare models for ex-offenders who are recovering from substance abuse/addiction. The study is a longitudinal, randomized field trial that assigns participants to one of three conditions: Oxford House, a professionally-run residential treatment facility, or a control condition that involves usual aftercare chosen by participants (which may include no treatment at all). Oxford Houses are self-run residential recovery homes based on the premise of mutual support. These homes do not involve professional treatment staff and the expenses (e.g. rent, utilities) are paid for by the residents. The hypothesis of this study is that Oxford House participants will have as good or better outcomes in terms of substance recovery, recidivism, and health in comparison to the participants who were assigned to the residential treatment facility, and better outcomes in comparison to the control group. In addition, the cost to government/tax payers will be substantially lower given that participants pay their own way.

This is a randomized, controlled trial of Positive Choice, an interactive multimedia computer program, to determine whether it can detect and reduce risky behaviors among HIV-positive adults. The behaviors of interest are: unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, illicit drug use, risky alcohol drinking, and failure to disclose HIV status to sex partners. The Positive Choice program is integrated into the routine operations of outpatient HIV clinics, where participating patients complete an in-depth risk assessment (computerized health questionnaire) before a regularly scheduled medical appointment. Participants assigned to the intervention arm receive brief, interactive risk-reduction counseling by an actor-portrayed Video Doctor and an educational worksheet. Their health care provider receives as summary cueing sheet, alerting them to the patient's risky behavior and readiness to change. Control participants complete the computerized risk assessment and receive the clinic's usual care. Three months after a baseline visit, intervention and control group patients are invited back to complete an additional risk assessment. The intervention group also receives a "booster" intervention. Six months after baseline, both groups complete a final risk assessment.

This study proposes a prospective program of research that will identify feasible and inexpensive methods to detect and treat comorbid PTSD among VA SUD patients, thereby improving substance abuse treatment outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to conduct experiments to examine subjective and reinforcing effects of nitrous oxide. Mood altering and psychomotor effects will be tested on non-drug abusers and preference procedures will be used to assess reinforcing effects. Comparisons between nitrous oxide, opiates, and benzodiazepine antagonists will be made. To examine sevoflurane versus isoflurane inhalation at subanesthetic concentrations on mood, pain, and psychomotor performance.

The purpose of this clinical study is to examine the established, therapeutic EMDR intervention for patients with substance use disorders (SUD). The EMDR method is an integrative and structured therapeutic method which assumes that memories which have been dysfunctionally stored can lead to harmful behavior. The EMDR protocol used for this clinical trials has been specifically developed for patients with SUD - the results should be compared with traditional therapy. For the assessment of the EMDR treatment some questionnaires are given at several times.