Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Alcoholism

Overseen By Kelly Xiao, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Disqualifiers: Severe comorbidity, Suicidal ideation, Opioid use, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 4 weeks

63 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This single-arm pilot study will recruit participants with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder for a 4-week virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP). The program aims to replicate the structure and abstinence monitoring of a residential treatment program although the program is delivered entirely virtually.

Research Team

Matthew Sloan, MD

Principal Investigator

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who are motivated to abstain from alcohol. Participants must attend daily virtual sessions on weekdays and take multiple breathalyzer readings each day. They need private space and OHIP coverage but can't join if they have a history of severe withdrawal, certain medical or psychiatric conditions, concurrent substance use disorders, or plans to be out of the province.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to a private location from which to participate in the program for the duration of the study

I can speak and understand English well enough to give informed consent.

I have not consumed more than the defined risky amount of alcohol in the last 60 days.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals planning to be out of the province during the virtual intensive outpatient program will not be permitted to enroll

Currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending to become pregnant or breastfeed during the study

I do not have severe health or mental health issues that would make it unsafe for me to join the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 4-week virtual intensive outpatient program with daily psychotherapy groups, weekly individual therapy, medication management, and daily breathalyzer monitoring.

4 weeks

Entirely virtual

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with an on-site end of treatment visit and two follow-up visits at approximately day 30 and day 60.

8 weeks

3 visits (1 in-person, 2 virtual)

Aftercare

Participants may opt into an optional weekly aftercare group for approximately 2 months after completion of the virtual IOP.

8 weeks

Long-term Follow-up

Participants can complete optional follow-up sessions every 2 months for an additional 10 months following the end of the 60-day follow-up session.

10 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program

Trial Overview The study tests a 4-week virtual intensive outpatient program designed to help people with alcohol use disorder stop drinking. It includes group and individual therapy sessions conducted online, aiming to mimic residential treatment programs' structure and monitoring while participants remain at home.

Participant Groups

Group I: Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will be treated in a 4 week program involving daily psychotherapy groups, weekly individual therapy and medication management, as well as daily breathalyzer monitoring.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

388

Recruited

84,200+

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

Trials

1,417

Recruited

26,550,000+