NCT05138614 · University of Massachusetts, Worcester
Supporting Treatment Access and Recovery in COD
(STAR-COD)
What this study is about
This 4-year study will randomize 1,000 people with co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders (COD) at medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) clinics to evaluate the effectiveness of MISSION, a multi-component team approach, or its components with MOUD versus MOUD alone, as well as the incremental benefits of MISSION or its components for improving outcomes.
View original scientific description
This 4-year study will randomize 1,000 people with co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders (COD) at medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) clinics to evaluate the effectiveness of MISSION, a multi-component team approach, or its components with MOUD versus MOUD alone, as well as the incremental benefits of MISSION or its components for improving outcomes. We expect that individuals receiving MISSION or its parts + MOUD will show greater improvement over MOUD alone on: engagement, substance use, and mental health.
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
- Are 18 years-old and older;
- Are fluent in English or Spanish;
- Have OUD who (a) are newly admitted into the program with OUD; or (b) who have been active in the program for the treatment of OUD with medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone, but experienced a recent relapse with any substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, opioids, or benzodiazepines). This second group is necessary to include because patients who may have been stable for a long period of time may have a relapse and need intensive treatment to help them regain their abstinence and facilitate the path towards recovery. Thus, by taking those newly enrolled and those who were stable on MOUD but had a recent relapse, the second group is clinically similar to the first group and the intervention will be meaningful.;
- Able to provide consent;
- Potentially have a concurrent substance use disorder in addition to opioids; and
- Have a co-occurring mental health disorder (COD) including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, bipolar, and/or schizophrenia, and those who are stable on buprenorphine or naltrexone but have recurrence or worsening at any time of symptoms of any co-occurring mental health disorder (COD) including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, bipolar, and/or schizophrenia, even if the patient has not relapsed. Instability is defined in two ways in the study: (a) a substance use relapse; and (b) recurrence to symptom exacerbation in regard to a subject's mental health disorder(s). If subjects do not meet criteria for "a" (i.e., not having a substance use relapse), but they do meet criteria for "b" (i.e., they do in fact have worsening of mental health symptoms), they are then defined as unstable, and will meet study inclusion criteria.
Exclusion criteria
- Are not fluent in English or Spanish;
- Are acutely psychotic, acutely suicidal with a plan, or homicidal;
- Are incompetent and unable to provide informed consent; and
- Have concurrent severe alcohol use disorder or high dose benzodiazepine needing detoxification. This exclusion factor is based on DSM-5 criteria, and those who are currently drinking or with a history of severe alcohol withdrawal (i.e., alcohol related seizures, and delirium tremens) will also be excluded. High dose benzodiazepine is defined as using Lorazepam equivalent of \> 10 mg/day; Diazepam \> 100 mg/day; Clonazepam 5 mg/ day; Alprazolam 5 mg/day.
Where
- Holyoke, Massachusetts
- Orange, Massachusetts
- Springfield, Massachusetts
- Worcester, Massachusetts
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 Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations