Recovery Community Centers for Opioid Use Disorder

Overseen By Susanne Hoeppner, PhD, MApStat

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Must be taking: Opioid use disorder medications

Disqualifiers: Recent RCC visit, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 4 weeks

128 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether connecting individuals to local recovery community centers (RCCs) can improve recovery outcomes for those using medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). One group of participants will visit their local RCC and share their experiences, while the other group will choose and participate in their own recovery activities, also sharing their experiences. The study aims to determine if RCC visits are more beneficial than usual recovery methods. It is suitable for individuals currently using MOUD and receiving it from a clinic or pharmacy near an RCC serving a Black community. Participants must be willing to engage in study activities such as surveys and interviews.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that may enhance recovery support systems.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants use medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) at enrollment, but they may stop using MOUD later if they choose.

What prior data suggests that linking people to recovery community centers is safe?

Research has shown that recovery community centers (RCCs) can be very helpful for people dealing with opioid use disorder (OUD). A recent study by Penn State found that attending these centers improves various aspects of members' well-being and recovery. This treatment is well-received, as it emphasizes community support and involvement rather than medication or medical procedures.

Another study predicted a significant drop in opioid-related overdoses when people with OUD participate in community-based programs like RCCs. This strongly indicates that these programs can yield positive and safe results for participants.

Overall, visiting RCCs appears safe and may enhance recovery outcomes. No reports of negative effects from participating in these centers exist, making them a promising option for those seeking support in their recovery journey. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Recovery Community Center Participation for opioid use disorder because it offers a unique support-focused approach. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medication-assisted therapy or counseling, this method emphasizes community engagement and peer support by encouraging participants to connect with local recovery centers. This approach aims to foster a sense of belonging and accountability, which can be crucial in maintaining long-term recovery. Additionally, by engaging in meaningful community activities, participants may find new purpose and motivation, which are vital components in overcoming addiction.

What evidence suggests that linking people to recovery community centers could be effective for opioid use disorder?

Research has shown that Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) can positively impact individuals with opioid addiction. In this trial, participants in the RCC Linkage arm will visit their local recovery community center at least twice within the first month. These centers offer support and engage individuals in meaningful activities. A survey found that RCC staff often discuss medications for opioid addiction with members and actively encourage their use, which can be crucial for recovery. RCCs are designed to assist people facing significant challenges, including severe addiction and limited resources. Overall, RCCs serve as a valuable resource for improving recovery by providing a supportive environment and encouraging participation in recovery activities. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bettina Hoeppner, Ph.D., M.S.

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with opioid use disorder or opiate dependence who are using medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Participants must be willing to engage in activities at Recovery Community Centers or choose alternative recovery activities and complete surveys about their well-being.

Inclusion Criteria

Is willing to be randomized

I am currently using medication to treat opioid use disorder.

Is willing and able to engage in study procedures (i.e., online surveys, timeline follow back interview)

Exclusion Criteria

Has visited a vetted RCC during the past 3 months

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are assigned to either visit their local recovery community center or engage in chosen recovery activities at least twice within the first month

4 weeks

At least 2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for recovery outcomes and well-being through online surveys

12 months

5 surveys (online)

Long-term monitoring

Participants' engagement with recovery support services and mental health is assessed periodically

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Recovery Community Center Participation

Trial Overview The study tests if linking people to Recovery Community Centers improves recovery outcomes compared to enhanced usual treatment. One group visits RCCs and writes about it, while the other picks any two recovery activities, participates, and also writes about their experiences.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Recovery Community Center (RCC) Linkage Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

These participants will be assigned to visit their local recovery community center at least twice, on two different days, within the first month of the study and to report on their RCC visits.

Group II: Enhanced Treatment as Usual (ETAU) Active Control 1 Intervention

These participants will be asked to complete any recovery activity of their choosing at least twice, on two different days, within the first month of the study and to report on their chosen recovery activities.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11150096/

A Nationwide Survey Study of Recovery Community Centers ... Online national survey of all RCCs identified in the United States with use of US Census ZIP code tabulation area data to describe the communities they serve.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547221000131

Recovery community centers: Characteristics of new ... RCCs engage and provide benefits for individuals facing the greatest challenges in terms of clinical pathology and low QOL and resources.

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1532812/full

How to measure the effectiveness of recovery community ... RCC directors are uniquely suited to provide insight into what outcome measures may be viable to use to capture the impact of RCCs on their participants.

4. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/fulltext/2024/05000/a_nationwide_survey_study_of_recovery_community.8.aspx

A Nationwide Survey Study of Recovery Community ... Regarding medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs), RCC staff engaged members in conversations about MOUDs (85.2%) and provided direct support for taking ...

5. recoveryanswers.org recoveryanswers.org/research-post/community-based-model-opioid-treatment/

Evolving approaches to opioid use disorder treatment The Recovery Community Center Office-Based Opioid Treatment model is based on several promising community-based and professional treatment approaches including: ...

6. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2817002

Public Health Interventions and Overdose-Related ... The model projected decreases of up to 35.2% in nonfatal and 36.6% in fatal opioid-involved overdoses among persons with OUD.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8058324/

Using community engagement to implement evidence-based ... Using community engagement to implement evidence-based practices for opioid use disorder: a data-driven paradigm & systems science approach. Nabila El-Bassel ...

8. csua.ssri.psu.edu csua.ssri.psu.edu/news/recovery-community-centers-linked-support-factors-substance-use-recovery

Recovery community centers linked to support factors for ... A recent study by Penn State researchers has provided evidence that attending these centers support different aspects of their members' wellbeing and recovery.

9. healthandjusticejournal.biomedcentral.com healthandjusticejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40352-022-00201-w

A scoping review of community-based post-opioid overdose ... Estimates based on provisional data indicate an approximate 30% increase in drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020, primarily involving opioids ...

10. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12369950/

The linkage between opioid treatment programs and recovery ... A nationwide survey study of recovery community centers supporting people in recovery from substance use disorder. J Addict Med. (2023) 18 ...