Peer Recovery Coaching for Alcoholism

(RC-Link Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Alain Litwin, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Clemson University

Must not be taking: Opiates, Cocaine, Methamphetamine

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Suicidal ideation, Psychotic disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

750 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program called peer recovery coaching (PRC) to determine its effectiveness in helping people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) recover more successfully. Participants will receive either long-term peer support or standard care with follow-up. The goal is to discover if peer coaching reduces heavy drinking and enhances overall well-being. This trial suits individuals currently hospitalized with alcohol-related health issues who plan to remain nearby for the next six months. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative recovery methods and potentially improve personal recovery outcomes.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that peer recovery coaching is safe for patients with alcohol use disorder?

Research has shown that peer recovery coaching (PRC) is generally safe and well-received. In past studies, participants in PRC drank less alcohol and felt more connected to ongoing addiction treatment. No major problems or safety concerns were reported. These findings suggest that PRC can effectively help people manage alcohol use disorder. Ensuring participants feel safe and confident in the support they receive is crucial, and current evidence supports this for PRC. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about peer recovery coaching (PRC) for alcoholism because it offers a personalized and supportive approach that differs from traditional treatments like medication or therapy alone. PRC involves one-on-one mentorship from someone who has experienced recovery themselves, providing both bedside coaching and continuous support for six months. This long-term engagement can help build a strong support network and foster accountability, which might lead to better outcomes compared to brief interventions or standard referrals.

What evidence suggests that peer recovery coaching is effective for alcoholism?

Research has shown that peer recovery coaching (PRC), which participants in this trial may receive, can greatly assist people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). One study found that patients working with peer recovery coaches had 44% fewer hospital visits. Another review found that peer support reduces the number of days people drink heavily and improves overall well-being. The coaching offers real-world support from someone who has faced similar challenges, which can make a significant difference. These findings suggest that PRC could effectively support recovery and lessen the impact of alcohol-related health issues. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for hospitalized patients struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who are experiencing medical issues due to their alcohol consumption. Participants should be interested in recovery and willing to engage with peer coaches.

Inclusion Criteria

Live within 50 miles of the recruitment and plan to stay in the area for at least 6 months

Meet current DSM-V criteria for moderate or severe AUD (measured by a score of ≥4 on the DSM-V Checklist)

Hospitalized with a principal, primary, or secondary AUD-related diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to understand and agree to the study's details on my own.

Pregnant women

Comorbid diagnosis or at-risk for methamphetamine, cocaine, or opioid use disorder as determined by a score of ≥4 on the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Modified Assist v3.0

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Inpatient Introduction

Participants receive a bedside introduction to a peer recovery coach during hospitalization

During hospitalization

1 visit (in-person)

Long-term Peer Recovery Coaching

Participants engage in the RC-Link program with continued recovery support for six months

6 months

Monthly check-ins (virtual or in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for recovery outcomes, including frequency of heavy drinking and biopsychosocial functioning

6 months post-intervention

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer recovery coaching (PRC)

Trial Overview The study tests a peer recovery coaching program, RC-Link, against brief interventions to see which helps more in reducing heavy drinking and improving overall functioning and remission from AUD.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Long-term peer recovery coaching intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

bedside peer recovery coaching + 6-months long-term engagement

Group II: SBIRT Intervention Active Control 1 Intervention

The control will receive a brief intervention, usual care (a referral list), contact information for the study team and hospital case management, and a follow-up contact at the end of the study period.

Peer recovery coaching (PRC) is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Peer Recovery Coaching for:

• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Clemson University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

38

Recruited

8,200+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Prisma Health-Upstate

Collaborator

Trials

91

Recruited

47,500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Peer recovery coaches (PRCs) play a crucial role in substance abuse treatment by connecting individuals to resources, providing counseling, and teaching coping skills, which has been shown to reduce substance use and improve treatment adherence.

The study highlights the effectiveness of PRC interventions in enhancing participants' self-efficacy, quality of life, and stress management, indicating that these programs can significantly benefit individuals in recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Roles and Effects of Peer Recovery Coach Intervention in the Field of Substance Abuse: An Integrative Literature Review. Kang, KI., Kang, CM.[2023]

The establishment of a Peer Support Service at Brigham and Women's Hospital provides healthcare professionals with a safe space to discuss the emotional impact of adverse medical events, promoting open communication and compassion in the workplace.

This initiative highlights the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of care providers as a critical component of patient safety and quality of care, recognizing that support services can enhance the overall healthcare environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support: healthcare professionals supporting each other after adverse medical events. van Pelt, F.[2021]

The 'Buddy Study' program, which includes a seminar and peer support for healthcare professionals after adverse events, received positive feedback from participants, with 91.6% satisfied with the seminar content and 69.1% feeling it helped them manage their emotional responses.

The program fostered a compassionate culture and attentiveness to colleagues' wellbeing, although it highlighted the need for ongoing support and visibility to maintain its effectiveness, suggesting that while valuable, peer support should complement other forms of support rather than replace them.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of'the Buddy Study', a peer support program for second victims in healthcare: a survey in two Danish hospital departments. Schrøder, K., Bovil, T., Jørgensen, JS., et al.[2022]

A study involving twelve American Indian trainees showed that a culturally-specific training program for peer recovery coaches (PRCs) significantly improved their confidence in various PRC techniques, with all nine assessed areas demonstrating statistically significant gains post-training.

The greatest improvements were seen in specific PRC activities and techniques, suggesting that targeted training can effectively enhance the skills necessary for supporting individuals in recovery, while also highlighting areas where trainees may have overestimated their confidence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addiction peer recovery coach training pilot: assessment of confidence levels. Guenzel, N., Dai, H.[2022]

Family Coaching is an innovative approach to delivering evidence-based prevention programs (EBPPs) that focuses on integrating multiple risk factors and behavior changes, making it a versatile option for families.

This method leverages trained community members to provide goal-oriented support, helping families set personalized goals and develop problem-solving skills, which can enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of health promotion interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family Coaching as a delivery modality for evidence-based prevention programs. Rotheram-Borus, MJ., Swendeman, D., Rotheram-Fuller, E., et al.[2019]

The study involving 193 inpatient adults with substance use disorder found that peer recovery coaches (PRCs) did not significantly reduce overall acute care utilization, but they did lead to a notable decrease in emergency department visits for mental/behavioral issues.

While there was no significant impact on 30-day readmissions or other types of acute care encounters, the results suggest that PRCs may be effective in reducing specific emergency encounters related to substance use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute Care Utilization After Recovery Coaching Linkage During Substance-Related Inpatient Admission: Results of Two Randomized Controlled Trials. Cupp, JA., Byrne, KA., Herbert, K., et al.[2023]

In a community-based program in Baltimore, a peer recovery coach (PRC) successfully linked 64.1% of interested clients to substance use treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of peer support in overcoming barriers to care.

After 30 days, 52% of clients who were linked to treatment remained engaged, and even among those who dropped out, 77% continued to maintain contact with the PRC, indicating ongoing support is crucial for retention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing a peer recovery coach model to reach low-income, minority individuals not engaged in substance use treatment. Kleinman, MB., Doran, K., Felton, JW., et al.[2022]

A peer-to-peer support program implemented at a pediatric medical center trained 125 supporters and received 2187 referrals, demonstrating its feasibility in addressing healthcare worker burnout.

Survey results showed that 71.8% of frontline clinicians found the program valuable, and 81.3% recommended it for those involved in adverse and stressful events, indicating its effectiveness in mitigating emotional distress.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of a Peer-to-Peer Support Program in a Quaternary Pediatric Medical Center. Simpson, SL., Khan, S., Schiferl, LM., et al.[2023]

The PRC Checklist, developed to guide peer recovery coaching for Substance Use Disorder, effectively tracks 25 specific activities across three support domains, demonstrating high feasibility and acceptability among recovery coaches in a pilot study with 16 participants.

All surveyed recovery coaches found the PRC Checklist helpful and representative of their services, indicating it could be a valuable tool for enhancing the delivery of recovery support in healthcare settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and initial findings from the Peer Recovery Coach (PRC) checklist: a new tool to assess the nature of peer recovery coaching service delivery. Byrne, KA., Mericle, AA., Litwin, AH.[2023]

The Peer Recovery Coach (PRC) program in Emergency Departments (ED) is feasible for engaging patients with substance use disorders, with 25% of participants still engaged at 30 days post-visit.

Patients with a history of multiple ED visits showed a significant reduction in subsequent visits after engaging with a PRC, indicating that targeting this group may help connect them to long-term care and reduce repeated ED utilization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer recovery coaches and emergency department utilization in patients with substance use disorders. Lukacs, T., Klein, L., Bramante, R., et al.[2023]

Implementing safety coaching in radiology has been shown to enhance patient safety by fostering a culture that reduces human errors, which can lead to patient harm.

Safety coaches provide immediate feedback on safety behaviors and error prevention techniques, drawing from successful strategies used in occupational safety for over a decade.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety coaches in radiology: decreasing human error and minimizing patient harm. Dickerson, JM., Koch, BL., Adams, JM., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1551714425002915

The peer recovery coaching linkage (RC-link) intervention ... The primary outcomes are changes in heavy drinking days and hospital costs. Secondary outcomes include AUD remission, biopsychosocial ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06479681

A Peer Recovery Coaching Intervention for Hospitalized ... The primary outcomes are frequency of heavy drinking, biopsychosocial functioning, and remission from AUD. Detailed Description. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is ...

3. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-025-00645-8

Peer Recovery Support Services and Recovery Coaching ... In this article, we systematically review the research on peer recovery support services (PRSS) for substance use disorder (SUD).

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9835716/

Factors related to substance use treatment attendance after ... Brief intervention with peer recovery coach support has been used to generate referrals to substance use disorder treatment from the emergency department (ED).

5. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.20230526

Recovery Coach Program Implementation Across an ... In one assessment, patients newly connected to PRCs experienced a 44% decrease in hospitalizations, a 9% decrease in emergency department visits ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41061798/

The Peer Recovery Coaching Linkage (RC-link) ... The primary outcomes are changes in heavy drinking days and hospital costs. Secondary outcomes include AUD remission, biopsychosocial functioning, mortality, ...

7. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e43304

Digitally Assisted Peer Recovery Coach to Facilitate Linkage ... Half of the participants were successfully linked with ongoing addiction treatment during the follow-up. The participants who engaged with the ...

8. mass.gov mass.gov/doc/mgh-recovery-coach-report-submitted-to-recovery-coach-inbox/download

A Systematic Review of Peer Recovery Support Services ... Results however suggest a 12-week peer counseling intervention for substance use may increase participants' recognition that their alcohol and other drug use is ...

9. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/396301547_The_peer_recovery_coaching_linkage_RC-link_intervention_study_Protocol_for_a_randomized_controlled_trial_for_alcohol_use_disorder_recovery_in_the_inpatient_hospital_setting

The peer recovery coaching linkage (RC-link) intervention ... Primary outcomes are weekly alcohol consumption and heavy episodic drinking. Participants in the control group will be given access to the novel ...