NCT07178158 · Virginia Commonwealth University
Enhancing Addiction Treatment Through Psychoeducation
What this study is about
Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by a broad range of both apparent and subtle cognitive impairments in attention, memory, executive functions, and decision-making.
View original scientific description
Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by a broad range of both apparent and subtle cognitive impairments in attention, memory, executive functions, and decision-making. These cognitive problems are clinically significant and may contribute to poor treatment outcomes in people with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), such as a high risk of dropout, low treatment compliance, and shorter periods of abstinence. Studies on cognitive function in SUDs reveal that chronic use of drugs and alcohol can also negatively affect another crucial component of cognition: awareness, or metacognition. Metacognition is defined as an individual's ability to perceive and understand their cognitive functions and use this understanding to regulate them. One of the key consequences of metacognitive impairments is the lack of insight in people with SUDs, which adversely affects treatment outcomes. Substance users with poor metacognition are more reluctant to initiate or continue treatment and are more likely to deny their cognitive problems. Therefore, improving metacognition may remove or reduce motivational barriers to invest time and effort in the recovery process in general, and in the brain recovery process specifically. Despite the importance of neurocognition and metacognition in the recovery process for substance users, there is a dearth of interventions designed to target these functions.
Interventions
OTHER
Installing the Metacognium software app
Participants in the NIPA+TAU group will be sent two, URL's (one for iOS and one for Android) for installing the Metacognium software app, which hosts the four NIPA sessions. Participants will be provided with unique ID for registering and using the program on the Metacognium app. The NIPA sessions will be locked until participants have completed their baseline assessment. Once participants complete each NIPA session, they will receive an email and/or text notifying them that the next session is unlocked and that they can proceed to complete it.
OTHER
Continue treatment as usual
Continue your treatment schedule as usual with the for 4 weeks.
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of recruiting for the Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Addiction (NIPA) intervention
Time frame: Baseline through 4 week intervention
The recruitment rate is quantified as the % of all participants who satisfy the inclusion criteria and agree to participate.
Retention/adherence rate for the Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Addiction (NIPA) Intervention
Time frame: Baseline through 4 week intervention
Retention/adherence rate is quantified as the % of participants who remain enrolled until the end of the study, completing all NIPA sessions and pre- and post-assessments.
Completion rate for the Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Addiction (NIPA) intervention
Time frame: Baseline through 4 week intervention
Completion rate, indexing the number of training sessions completed by each participant.
Measure acceptability of the Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Addiction (NIPA) intervention
Time frame: Baseline through 4 week intervention
Acceptability is measured with a 10-item questionnaire that uses a 10-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability. Items include perceived enjoyment, convenience, informativeness, applicability, effectiveness, satisfaction, continued use, barriers to use, and most/least liked aspects.
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
- current DSM-5 opioid and/or stimulant use disorder
- currently on medication treatment for SUD
- owning a smartphone with sufficient functionality to download and utilize the NIPA app.
Exclusion criteria
- current psychosis, mania, or suicidal/homicidal ideation
- non-English speaking
Where
- Richmond, Virginia
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 Aug 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations