Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group for Opioid Use Disorder

Overseen By Ashley Brown

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Must be taking: MOUD

Disqualifiers: Current suicidality, Prior study participation

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a special Facebook group can support Native women in recovering from opioid addiction. Participants will join a private, moderated group to interact and share experiences over three months. The researchers aim to determine if this online community helps maintain abstinence. Ideal candidates are Native American or Indigenous women of Minnesota who have abstained from opioids for at least a month and are currently receiving medication-assisted treatment.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative recovery support methods.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require that you are currently using medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).

What prior data suggests that the Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group is safe for participants?

Research has shown that Facebook groups can safely support recovery from opioid use. In one study, ten women in a similar Facebook group reported no serious issues. They shared experiences and received support in a private, moderated online space.

The Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group is designed for Native women in recovery, respecting their traditions and experiences. Moderation ensures the group remains safe and supportive.

Overall, using a Facebook group for recovery support appears effective. Unlike drug treatments, it presents no known risks and offers a community space for sharing and support. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group for opioid use disorder because it offers a unique, community-driven approach to recovery. Unlike traditional treatments which often focus on medications or face-to-face therapy, this intervention leverages an online, private Facebook group to foster peer support and interaction over three months. This method provides participants with constant, flexible access to a supportive community, which can be particularly beneficial for those who may face barriers to accessing in-person resources. Additionally, the group is moderated by team members with diverse backgrounds, enhancing the relatability and inclusiveness of the support provided.

What evidence suggests that the Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group is effective for opioid use disorder?

Research has shown that the Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group, which participants in this trial may join, can assist Native women recovering from opioid addiction. Studies found that this online group made participants feel supported and connected. Native women in the group described it as a safe place to share experiences and receive encouragement. This Facebook group is specifically designed for Native American and Alaska Native women. By offering a sense of community and understanding, the group may help women stay focused on their recovery journey. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Christi A Patten, PhD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for American Indian women in Minnesota recovering from opioid use. Participants must be using Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), willing to engage with a Facebook group, and have at least one month of abstinence confirmed by tests. They should speak English, have internet access, and be able to visit a Minneapolis clinic.

Inclusion Criteria

AIAN person based on self-reported race/ethnicity

Meets criteria for OUD based on the DSM-5 Checklist

I identify as a woman.

Exclusion Criteria

Participated in prior study phases (Aim 1 formative work) of NIDA CTN-0123

Self-reports current suicidality based on the Concise Heath Risk Tracking scale

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in the Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group, an online, asynchronous group intervention moderated by study team members

3 months

Online interaction

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for opioid abstinence and MOUD continuation through monthly interviews and UDS at 1, 3, and 6 months

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group

Trial Overview

The study is testing if a Facebook group named 'Wiidookaage'win' can support Native women during their recovery from opioid addiction over the course of three months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Wiidookaage'win Facebook Group is an online, asynchronous group intervention that will run for 3-months with approximately 30 days of content developed. It is private and hidden, meaning only those in the study will be able to see or find the group. It will be moderated by two women from the study team (one AIAN and one biracial). A back-up moderator will also have access to the group. Participants will be able to comment, react, view, and post in the intervention group, and are encouraged to interact with one another.

Group II: Online Resources Landing Page Active Control 1 Intervention

The Online Resources Landing Page was developed by the study team using https://carrd.co. It includes links to local programs in family services, substance use recovery, legal advocacy, etc. which already exist and may help support their recovery.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A national survey of 797 opioid use disorder (OUD) prescribers revealed that 79% used virtual visits to continue prescribing medications for OUD during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many preferring to continue this practice post-pandemic due to its convenience and improved patient accessibility.

Factors associated with a desire to expand virtual visits included treating a moderate number of patients before the pandemic, practicing in urban settings, and having experience prescribing buprenorphine, indicating that these adaptations could enhance access to treatment for OUD in the future.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptations to Opioid Use Disorder Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of Prescribers. Sung, ML., Black, AC., Blevins, D., et al.[2023]

The HOPE social media-based support group significantly increased patient engagement, with intervention participants making nearly 10 times more posts compared to the control group (411 posts vs. 45).

This online community facilitated discussions on important topics such as coping strategies, pain management, and opioid-related issues, indicating its potential as an effective behavioral intervention for patients at risk of opioid misuse.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a social media/online community support group intervention among chronic pain patients on opioid therapy. Young, SD., Koussa, M., Lee, SJ., et al.[2020]

A digital storytelling workshop conducted with rural mothers in recovery from opioid use disorder demonstrated the feasibility of using this method to engage and support mothers in a community setting.

The workshop highlighted the potential of digital storytelling to foster social connectedness, empowerment, and community building among participants, which is crucial for recovery, especially in areas with limited support systems.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Challenges and Lessons Learned From Digital Storytelling With Parenting Women in Recovery. Paterno, MT., Leckenby, D., Pachucki, MC.[2021]

Long-term opioid agonist therapy with methadone and buprenorphine has been shown to be highly effective in treating opioid use disorder (OUD), significantly reducing the risk of relapse and saving lives.

Despite the effectiveness of these treatments, the delivery of prevention and treatment for OUD is often hindered by coexisting health issues, lack of support, and varying public opinions, highlighting the need for better scientific communication and evidence-based strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opioid use disorder. Strang, J., Volkow, ND., Degenhardt, L., et al.[2021]

An online peer-led behavior change intervention (HOPE) significantly reduced anxiety among high-risk chronic pain patients compared to a control group, suggesting that social support can be beneficial in managing anxiety related to opioid use.

Both the intervention and control groups showed a decrease in opioid misuse risk, as measured by the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM), indicating that even basic social media engagement may help reduce misuse risks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social media as an emerging tool for reducing prescription opioid misuse risk factors. Young, SD., Lee, SJ., Perez, H., et al.[2022]

A web-based self-management intervention for chronic pain patients on opioids was developed based on feedback from 53 participants, highlighting the need for additional pain management strategies and the importance of goal setting.

Participants found the web-based tool potentially useful and acceptable, indicating that it effectively increased their knowledge about self-management of chronic pain, suggesting a promising approach for improving patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patients as collaborators: using focus groups and feedback sessions to develop an interactive, web-based self-management intervention for chronic pain. Moore, SK., Guarino, H., Acosta, MC., et al.[2022]

The study aims to develop the Marigold App, an AI-enabled mobile platform designed to provide secure, 24/7 peer support for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), addressing the gap in traditional treatment access.

By piloting this app with 40 adults undergoing outpatient buprenorphine treatment, the research will evaluate its usability and effectiveness in enhancing peer support while ensuring safety through AI moderation of chat content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile Peer-Support for Opioid Use Disorders: Refinement of an Innovative Machine Learning Tool. Scherzer, CR., Ranney, ML., Jain, S., et al.[2022]

A culturally-tailored Facebook group for American Indian/Alaska Native women in opioid recovery was developed with input from a Community Advisory Committee, ensuring the content was relevant and supportive of their unique cultural experiences.

The intervention included evidence-based strategies for coping with stress and trauma, and participants expressed a strong preference for content that resonated with AI/AN culture, highlighting the importance of cultural relevance in recovery support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Wiidookaage'Win: A Community-Based Qualitative Approach to Developing a Facebook Group Intervention for Native Women to Support Recovery From Opioid Use. Young, A., Sinicrope, P., Kelpin, S., et al.[2023]

A novel educational intervention delivered via iPad significantly improved knowledge about HIV and Hepatitis C among 25 adults with opioid use disorder, with correct responses increasing from 69% and 65% at baseline to 86% for both assessments after the intervention.

The knowledge gains were sustained over time, with participants maintaining significantly higher scores at Weeks 4 and 12 compared to baseline, highlighting the potential of mobile health interventions to effectively educate this vulnerable population about infectious disease risks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A novel mHealth application for improving HIV and Hepatitis C knowledge in individuals with opioid use disorder: A pilot study. Ochalek, TA., Heil, SH., Higgins, ST., et al.[2020]

A randomized controlled trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of PlaySmart, a digital health game designed for adolescents aged 16-19, targeting both opioid misuse prevention and mental health improvement, with 532 participants recruited from school-based health sites.

The primary goal is to assess changes in adolescents' perception of the risks associated with opioid misuse after 3 months, alongside secondary measures related to opioid misuse intentions and mental health outcomes, indicating the game's potential for significant impact in this vulnerable age group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A digital health game to prevent opioid misuse and promote mental health in adolescents in school-based health settings: Protocol for the PlaySmart game randomized controlled trial. Pendergrass Boomer, TM., Hoerner, LA., Fernandes, CF., et al.[2023]

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