Impact of Work Activity on SUD Outcomes

Last updated: September 11, 2025
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Opioid Use Disorder

Stimulant Use Disorder

Treatment

treatment as usual

referral to work focused program

Clinical Study ID

NCT04969081
D3493-R
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

To date, there are no studies of the therapeutic effects of varied work-focused programs in Veterans undergoing outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The investigators propose a randomized clinical trial to test the effects of work-focused programs on improving sobriety and other clinical outcomes in Veterans early in the course of recovery from SUD. Veterans will be randomized to either receive or not receive referral for work-focused therapeutic programs. Primary aim is to examine effects of work-focused programs on sobriety outcomes, namely sobriety and global functioning. Secondary aim is to examine effects of work-focused programs on psychiatric symptoms, self esteem/efficacy, and quality of life.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Participants will be Veterans enrolled in VACHS substance use treatment, who at timeof consenting into the study are within 30 days of detoxification or last substanceuse as per medical record.

  • Additional criteria will be as follows:

  • 18 years of age and older,

  • meeting DSM-V criteria for any current Substance Use Disorder (SUD) (e.g.,opioids, cocaine, marijuana, amphetamine, or alcohol),

  • competent to give written informed consent and HIPAA authorization.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • involvement in a legal case that may lead to incarceration during study period;

  • developmental disability or medical illness that would prevent therapeutic workactivity, as judged by PI or clinical staff providing this service;

  • plans to relocate outside geographic area that would make follow-up unlikely;

  • and/or lack of willingness to provide contact information of someone who can help uscontact the participant in the event that we are unable to maintain contactdirectly.

Study Design

Total Participants: 103
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: treatment as usual
Phase:
Study Start date:
January 03, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2028

Study Description

The investigators propose a trial to test the effects of Incentive Therapy (IT) and Other Therapeutic and Supported Employment Services (Other TSES) on improving SUD outcomes in newly recovering Veterans in outpatient treatment. In line with eligibility criteria for different TSES programs, the investigators will employ a two branch study: One branch will be for Veterans who are not interested in pursuing competitive employment, and will be a two arm RCT with randomization (2:1) to referral for IT + treatment as usual (TAU; including usual SUD outpatient treatment) or TAU alone. The second branch will be for Veterans who express interest in competitive employment, and will be a two arm RCT with randomization (2:1) to referral for TSES competitive employment services + TAU or TAU alone. Total Intent to Treat sample will be 140 (n=70 per branch). Primary outcomes will be percent days abstinent during 3 month active phase and clinical global impression scale scores at 6 months. Secondary outcome will be psychiatric symptoms, self esteem/efficacy and quality of life.

Connect with a study center

  • VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT

    West Haven, Connecticut 06516-2770
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT

    West Haven 4845419, Connecticut 4831725 06516-2770
    United States

    Site Not Available

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