PARCA for Behavioral Addiction

(Parca Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Faye S Taxman, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: George Mason University

Disqualifiers: Serious mental health disorders, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 52 weeks

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a mobile app called PARCA, designed to help people in the justice system set and achieve personal goals. The app aims to improve how these individuals manage substance use and interact with supervising officers. The study compares the app’s effectiveness to standard supervision without the app. It suits those on probation or parole who acknowledge drug use, provided they do not have serious mental health issues.

As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative solutions that could enhance their rehabilitation journey.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the PARCA app is safe for use in community supervision?

Research has shown that the PARCA app helps people set goals and track progress while under community supervision. Researchers are testing the app to determine if it can improve outcomes, such as better access to and retention in substance use treatment.

Regarding safety, PARCA, as a mobile app, does not involve medication or medical procedures. Thus, the main risks concern privacy and data security rather than physical health. The app operates on a phone or computer, so its safety primarily depends on how well it protects personal information.

Available data reports no negative effects from using PARCA, suggesting it is well-tolerated as a digital tool. However, staying informed and ensuring secure data handling is always important when using new apps. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about PARCA because it offers a fresh approach to tackling behavioral addiction. Unlike traditional therapies that often rely on in-person counseling or medication, PARCA utilizes a mobile and web-based app to help users set and track personal goals. This digital tool provides continuous support and motivation, making it more accessible and potentially more engaging for users. By integrating technology into addiction treatment, PARCA aims to empower individuals with a convenient, personalized method to manage their progress anywhere, anytime.

What evidence suggests that the PARCA app is effective for behavioral addiction?

Research has shown that the PARCA app, available to participants in this trial, can assist people on probation or parole by enabling them to set and track personal goals. This app eases their transition back into the community. Studies suggest that digital tools like PARCA improve access to substance use treatment and support initiation and continuation of these treatments. Additionally, the app helps users monitor their progress, potentially leading to more successful reentry. Overall, early findings indicate that PARCA could improve outcomes for those involved with the justice system. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Faye S. Taxman, PhD

Principal Investigator

George Mason University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals involved with the justice system who are under community supervision and looking to manage personal goals, particularly those related to substance use treatment. Participants should be willing to use the PARCA mobile app.

Inclusion Criteria

All officers that supervise individuals

All individuals on supervision that indicate drug use

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals that have poor performance on their job

Clients have serious mental health disorders

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use the PARCA app to set and manage personal goals, with officers monitoring progress

52 weeks

Ongoing app usage and monitoring

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PARCA

Trial Overview The study tests the Probation/Parole and Reentry Coach Application (PARCA), a digital tool designed to help users set and achieve personal goals while improving their connection with supervising officers and enhancing substance use treatment outcomes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PARCA App Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Officers and clients are using the application of PARCA which is on their phone and a web-based application. PARCA is a tool to detail goals and progress towards goals

Group II: Standard Supervision Active Control 1 Intervention

Officers and clients are not using any new procedures or tools; they are using standard care.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

George Mason University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

60

Recruited

50,200+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Q2i, LLC

Industry Sponsor

Trials

4

Recruited

370+

RTI International

Collaborator

Trials

201

Recruited

942,000+

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Collaborator

Trials

19

Recruited

30,000+

Citations

1. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11070406

PARCA (a digital tool) to improve Justice and Health 1 Justice involved persons (JIPs) have a 474% increased lifetime experience with heroin, a 303% increased use of OxyContin in the last 12 months, and a 256% ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07199374

PARCA (a Digital Tool) to Improve Justice and Health This study tests a new technological intervention referred to as Probation/Parole and Reentry Coach Application (PARCA). The application uses ...

3. patlynk.com patlynk.com/trial/NCT07199374

PARCA Digital Tool for Justice and Health Improvement The study will measure how effectively PARCA helps in improving supervision outcomes by examining the progress made towards goals and overall reentry success.

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/357741301_Design_and_Evaluation_of_the_ProbationParole_and_Reentry_Coach_App_PARCA_A_Platform_to_Support_a_Successful_Reentry_into_Community

A Platform to Support a Successful Reentry into Community Design and Evaluation of the Probation/Parole and Reentry Coach App (PARCA): A Platform to Support a Successful Reentry into Community.

5. pdfs.semanticscholar.org pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e302/e4c20270ae4a97bb772632d6bea2c6b4d69d.pdf

A Platform to Support a Successful Reentry into Community We will also test and empirically measure the efficacy of the app in improving SUD treatment access, initiation, and retention through better data, streamlining ...