Music for Opioid Use Disorder

Overseen By Scott G Weiner, MD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Must be taking: Buprenorphine, Methadone

Must not be taking: Naltrexone, Opioid analgesics

Disqualifiers: Mental impairment, Hearing, Vision, Pregnancy, Chronic pain, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 day

28 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research is being performed to understand the role of music in people's opioid cravings, opioid use, and recovery. Music affects individuals in so many ways, and can trigger strong good and bad emotions. People listen when they are sad and want to feel happy, when they are with friends, when they exercise, and when they just want to pass the time. However, it is not known what role music plays in adding to or taking away cravings, and the role it has in drug use and addiction. In this study, the researchers want to learn if music can reduce cues that lead to cravings for opioids. The researchers also want to learn about subjects' relationship to music and how it contributes to drug use, recovery, and their life overall.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires participants to be on a stable dose of buprenorphine or methadone for at least 30 days, so you will not need to stop these medications. However, you cannot participate if you are currently prescribed naltrexone or require prescription opioid painkillers during the trial.

Is music therapy safe for humans?

Research on music therapy for substance use disorders, including opioid use, suggests it is generally safe for humans. Studies have shown positive effects on cravings, stress, and emotional regulation without reporting any significant safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the music intervention treatment for opioid use disorder different from other treatments?

The music intervention treatment for opioid use disorder is unique because it uses music as a therapeutic tool, which is different from traditional treatments that often rely on medications like methadone or buprenorphine. This approach may offer a non-pharmacological option that can be used alongside other therapies to support emotional well-being and reduce stress, potentially helping to prevent relapse. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Research Team

Scott G Weiner, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who are dealing with opioid addiction or dependence. The study aims to understand if music can influence their cravings and recovery process.

Inclusion Criteria

Current diagnosis of opioid use disorder

I have been on a stable dose of buprenorphine or methadone for at least 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria

Patient reports that they are pregnant

Any significant impairment in mental status that would interfere with the ability to provide informed consent including suicidality, homicidality, or psychosis

I have had daily pain rated above 3 for more than 3 months.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a single session at the Center for Clinical Investigation, where they complete questionnaires, listen to music or silence, and are exposed to drug-related and neutral cues.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Qualitative Interview

Participants engage in a qualitative interview discussing their relationship with music and its impact on their opioid use and recovery.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any feedback on the trial and potential strategies for music use in clinical settings.

2-4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Music Intervention

Trial Overview The trial is exploring the effect of music on opioid cravings by comparing reactions to silence versus a music intervention in participants with opioid use disorder.

Participant Groups

Group I: music Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this arm, subjects will rate their cravings for opioids on a 0-100 point visual analog scale. They will then listen to 2 songs of their choosing. They will then be shown a series of images "cues" related to drug use, and will again be asked their cravings for opioids.

Group II: silence Placebo Group 1 Intervention

In this arm, subjects will rate their cravings for opioids on a 0-100 point visual analog scale. They will then listen to 10 minutes of silence. They will then be shown a series of images "cues" related to drug use, and will again be asked their cravings for opioids.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,694

Recruited

14,790,000+

Findings from Research

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]

The HOPE mobile app was developed based on feedback from 16 interviews with patients and providers, incorporating features for mood tracking, treatment adherence, and community support, which were well-received by users.

In a 6-month pilot study with 25 patients, the app demonstrated high usability scores (mean 86.9 for patients and 83.3 for providers), indicating that it effectively supports individuals undergoing medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Mobile Health App to Support Patients Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Development and Feasibility Study. Waselewski, ME., Flickinger, TE., Canan, C., et al.[2021]

A significant increase in Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) diagnoses during pregnancy highlights the need for effective treatment solutions, which this study addresses through feedback from 18 peripartum individuals and 19 obstetric providers.

The development of the Listening to Women and Pregnant and Postpartum People (LTWP) program, informed by qualitative interviews, aims to enhance the implementation of evidence-based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in prenatal care, although initial feedback indicated a lack of enthusiasm for the web-based intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Listening to women and pregnant and postpartum people: Qualitative research to inform opioid use disorder treatment for pregnant and postpartum people. Guille, C., Hall, C., King, C., et al.[2023]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Cluster-Randomized Comparison of Music Therapy Interventions as Measured by Craving and Commitment in Adults on a Detoxification Unit. [2023]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music therapy, neural processing, and craving reduction: an RCT protocol for a mixed methods feasibility study in a Community Substance Misuse Treatment Service. [2023]

3. Brazil pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of music therapy on stress in chemically dependent people: a quasi-experimental study. [2020]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of listening to a recording of euphoric joint music making in polydrug abusers. [2020]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Relapse prevention: Using sound to reduce the probability of recidivism and suffering following detoxification. [2018]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opioid use disorder. [2021]

7. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"I didn't want to be on Suboxone at first…" - Ambivalence in Perinatal Substance Use Treatment. [2020]

8. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Mobile Health App to Support Patients Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Development and Feasibility Study. [2021]

9. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Forty-eight years of research on psychosocial interventions in the treatment of opioid use disorder: A scoping review. [2021]

10. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Listening to women and pregnant and postpartum people: Qualitative research to inform opioid use disorder treatment for pregnant and postpartum people. [2023]