Short, Animated Storytelling for Addiction Stigma

(SAS Trial)

Overseen By Study Team

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether short, animated storytelling (SAS) can reduce stigma against people with addiction. Researchers aim to determine if these videos can increase empathy and optimism while reducing negative attitudes. Participants will either watch a full video with sound, a video without sound, or read information about addiction. Adults aged 18-49 who speak basic English are eligible to join. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding and reducing stigma in society.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on storytelling and stigma, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that this storytelling method is safe?

Research has shown that Short, Animated Storytelling (SAS) videos reduce stigma and increase understanding for people with addiction. Reports have not indicated any negative effects or safety issues with this approach. Unlike traditional medical treatments, SAS involves watching videos, making it a non-invasive and low-risk method.

Studies have examined the effectiveness of SAS in changing attitudes and views. These videos are designed for easy access, overcoming barriers like language and reading ability. Since this study does not involve medication or physical procedures, participants are unlikely to experience physical side effects.

In summary, SAS videos are considered safe for participants because they focus on education and changing perspectives rather than providing a drug or medical treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Short, Animated Storytelling (SAS) approach because it tackles addiction stigma in a fresh and engaging way. Unlike traditional methods that rely on written information or face-to-face interventions, SAS uses animated videos, making the message more relatable and easier to digest for a broad audience. This method has the potential to change perceptions quickly by visually illustrating stories that resonate emotionally, which could lead to more empathy and understanding towards those struggling with addiction. By offering both a full intervention with sound and a partial one without sound, the trial also explores how different sensory experiences might impact the effectiveness of stigma reduction.

What evidence suggests that Short, Animated Storytelling is effective for reducing addiction stigma?

Research has shown that short, animated storytelling (SAS) videos can help reduce stigma towards people with addiction. One study tested this method on 13,500 people in different countries and found it effective in increasing empathy and reducing negative attitudes. Another small study confirmed that using SAS videos online can achieve similar results. These videos simplify complex issues, which can change how people view addiction and increase support for those affected. In this trial, participants will either view the full SAS video intervention with sound or a partial version without sound. Early findings suggest that adding sound to these videos enhances their positive effects. Overall, SAS videos seem promising in promoting a more understanding and hopeful view of addiction recovery. ^{2 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Maya Adam, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-49 who can understand basic English. It's designed to see if a short, animated storytelling video can help reduce the stigma around addiction.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 49 years old and can speak basic English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants view the SAS video intervention with or without sound, or read written information about addiction prevalence

1 day

1 visit (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in stigma, optimism, empathy, and hope

2 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Short, Animated Storytelling (SAS)

Trial Overview The study tests whether an SAS video intervention can decrease stigma and increase empathy towards individuals with addiction. It also examines how sound design contributes to the effectiveness of this health communication strategy.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: SAS video partial intervention (without sound) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants view the partial SAS video intervention without sound on Day 1.

Group II: SAS video full intervention group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants view the full SAS video intervention with sound on Day 1.

Group III: Active Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants read written information about addiction prevalence

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Alexander von Humboldt Association

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

14,400+

Stanford Center for Digital Health

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

13,500+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352853225000409

A short, animated storytelling video to reduce addiction ... This pilot study tested the feasibility of conducting a large-scale, online trial to measure the effect of a short, animated storytelling (SAS) stigma ...

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40324168/

Short, Animated Storytelling Video to Reduce Addiction ... Short, Animated Storytelling Video to Reduce Addiction Stigma in 13,500 Participants Across Multiple Countries Through an Online Approach: ...

3. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e73382

Short, Animated Storytelling Video to Reduce Addiction ... This study will investigate the effect of a cross-culturally accessible SAS video intervention aimed at reducing stigma and increasing empathy toward people ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06979856

Short, Animated Storytelling (SAS) Video to Reduce ... The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/392778828_A_short_animated_storytelling_video_to_reduce_addiction_stigma_A_pilot_randomized_controlled_trial

A short, animated storytelling video to reduce addiction ... Our co-primary outcomes were addiction stigma, optimism, warmth towards people with addiction and hopefulness, measured using an abbreviated 18-item version of ...

6. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e73382/tweetations

Short, Animated Storytelling Video to Reduce Addiction ... Short, Animated Storytelling Video to Reduce Addiction Stigma in 13,500 Participants Across Multiple Countries Through an Online Approach ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089882/

Short, Animated Storytelling Video to Reduce Addiction ... This study will investigate the effect of a cross-culturally accessible SAS video intervention aimed at reducing stigma and increasing empathy toward people ...