NCT07010978 · Massachusetts General Hospital
Towards Testing the Effectiveness of Recovery Community Centers (RCCs)
What this study is about
The goal of this pilot randomly assigned clinical trial is to prepare for a larger randomly assigned clinical trial (RCT) and collect some early data to learn if the intervention can help people who use medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is it feasible to recruit and randomize people to both treatment groups? 2.
View original scientific description
The goal of this pilot randomized clinical trial is to prepare for a larger randomized clinical trial (RCT) and collect some early data to learn if the intervention can help people who use medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is it feasible to recruit and randomize people to both treatment groups? 2. Does linking people to recovery community centers lead to better recovery outcomes? Researchers will compare linking people to recovery community centers (RCC) to enhanced treatment as usual to see if recovery outcomes are different. In one group, participants will learn about their local RCC and will be asked to visit their local RCC on at least two days and write about their experiences. In the other group, participants will learn about different recovery activities, pick any two, and do the activities of their choice on at least two days. They will also be asked to write about their experiences. People in both groups will answer online survey questions about their recovery outcomes and well-being in five surveys over one year.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Recovery Community Center Participation
Recovery community centers are brick and mortar buildings that house recovery-oriented organizations, located in the heart of their communities. They act as recovery hubs, offering a variety of recovery support services in house as well as connecting participants to resources in their area. They are peer-led organizations that are open to anyone in early or long-term recovery from substance use and that recognize that there are multiple pathways to recovery. Study participants will be provided with information about their local RCC (including a video link, contact information, a monthly calendar of events, a list of services and activities offered by the RCC, transportation options, etc.) and will be asked to visit the RCC on two different occasions within one month of enrollment.
BEHAVIORAL
Enhance Treatment as Usual
In this study, the enhanced treatment as usual intervention will encompass providing participants with information about diverse recovery activities (e.g., mutual help group meetings, exercise, job search, recovery coach meetings, etc.) and then to assign participants to complete a recovery activity of their choosing one two different days within one month after enrollment. Participants can do the same activity twice, or different activities on each of the two days assigned.
Primary outcome measures
Recruitment Rate
Time frame: Baseline
The recruitment rate will be estimated from the number of study participants enrolled per month; this information will be used for planning a subsequent R01, in line with the goals of the R34 mechanism used to fund this study. The recruitment rate will be reported as mean with standard deviation (based on monthly observations) and will be reported descriptively.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18+ years of age
- Uses MOUD (at enrollment; participants may stop using MOUD subsequently) to treat OUD
- Receives MOUD from a clinic/pharmacy located within 15 miles of an RCC vetted by our study team, which serves a Black community (i.e., defined as being located in a ZIP code where ≥27% of the residents are Black, as per US Census)
- Is willing and able to engage in study procedures (i.e., online surveys, timeline follow back interview)
- Is willing to be randomized
Exclusion criteria
- \- Has visited a vetted RCC during the past 3 months
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 26, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations