Training Platforms for Substance Use Disorder

Overseen By Christopher Pesce, JD/MBA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Thrive Digital Health, LLC

Disqualifiers: Severe anxiety, Significant medical illnesses, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

120 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how different training types help Peer Recovery Support Service (PRSS) providers enhance their skills and adhere to best practices. It compares a fully online training platform (TDPP-A), a version with online and live Zoom sessions (TDPP-Z), and traditional training methods. Suitable candidates for this trial include individuals already in recovery, sober for at least a year, and interested in becoming PRSS providers. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to developing effective training methods for future PRSS providers.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that these training platforms are safe for participants?

Research has shown that digital programs for treating substance use, such as TDPP-A and TDPP-Z, are generally safe for participants. Studies have found that these digital tools can help individuals maintain sobriety and continue treatment for longer periods. This is encouraging for those considering tech-based programs.

For TDPP-Z, which includes live Zoom sessions as part of the digital training, evidence supports its safety. Telehealth, involving video calls like Zoom, has helped individuals in addiction recovery without adding significant risks.

Both TDPP-A and TDPP-Z use online platforms to support individuals, and these have been well-received in similar contexts. For those joining a study using these treatments, current research suggests a low risk of harm. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Training Platforms for Substance Use Disorder because they offer innovative, digital-based approaches that differentiate from traditional in-person programs. The TDPP-A is unique because it allows participants to engage with self-paced, interactive content entirely asynchronously, enhancing flexibility and accessibility. Meanwhile, the TDPP-Z combines this digital learning with live Zoom sessions, fostering skill development and peer connection in real-time. These digital platforms could provide more personalized and flexible support compared to conventional state-approved training programs, potentially transforming how recovery support is delivered.

What evidence suggests that this trial's training platforms could be effective for substance use disorder?

This trial will compare different training platforms for substance use disorder. Studies have shown that digital tools for addiction recovery, like the Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP), provide effective and easy-to-access support. Participants in this trial may receive the TDPP-A (asynchronous) format, which allows users to learn at their own pace through interactive lessons and stories from peers. This method has proven helpful in similar situations by offering a structured way to learn independently.

Another group in this trial will use the TDPP-Z (asynchronous plus Zoom). Research shows that adding live sessions can boost skill development and peer interaction. This mixed approach combines online learning with live coaching, which has improved results in similar treatment settings. Both versions aim to enhance the skills and commitment of Peer Recovery Support Service providers, contributing to overall recovery success. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Christopher Pesce, JD/MBA

Principal Investigator

Thrive Digital Health, LLC

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Peer Recovery Support Service providers working with individuals facing drug addiction, alcohol-related violence, and substance use disorders. It's designed to evaluate different training methods.

Inclusion Criteria

I live in the U.S., am 18 or older, and have been sober for at least a year.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to read or speak English

Active suicidal ideation (PHQ-9, Item 9)

Significant medical illnesses

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants undergo training using the TDPP platform, either fully asynchronous or with additional live Zoom sessions

11 weeks

Self-paced with 3 live Zoom sessions for TDPP-Z group

Post-Training Assessment

Participants are assessed on skill adherence, usability, knowledge gain, and satisfaction

2 weeks

Assessment conducted within 2 weeks post-training

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term adherence and skill retention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• TDPP-A
• TDPP-Z
• Training-as-Usual

Trial Overview The study compares the effectiveness of a standard training method (TAU) against two novel approaches: TDPP-Z combines an asynchronous platform with live Zoom sessions, while TDPP-A uses only the asynchronous platform.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: TDPP-Z (Asynchronous + Zoom) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants use the TDPP asynchronous platform and also attend three live, facilitator-led group Zoom sessions designed to enhance skill development, application, and peer interaction. This hybrid model integrates digital learning with synchronous coaching.

Group II: TDPP-A (Asynchronous Only) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants access the Thrive Digital Peer Platform (TDPP) in fully asynchronous format. Content is self-paced, structured into 11 "Journeys" using the Connect → Grow → Apply model, and includes interactive modules and peer-led stories. No live facilitation is included.

Group III: Training as Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants receive the standard, state-approved Connecticut Community on Addiction Recovery PRSS training program. No digital content or enhancements are provided.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Thrive Digital Health, LLC

Lead Sponsor

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Citations

1. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11163445

RePORT RePORTER - National Institutes of Health (NIH) | PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Thrive Digital Health (“TDH”) is developing a novel Peer Recovery Support Services (“PRSS”) training platform (the “TDPP”) to ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07044531

DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL PEER RECOVERY ... The focus of this study is to assess the effect on Peer Recovery Support Service providers of the fully asynchronous training platform (TDPP) and the TDPP with ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-substance-related-disorders-4-2025-bbdc6

Training Platforms for Substance Use Disorder The focus of this study is to assess the effect on Peer Recovery Support Service providers of the fully asynchronous training platform (TDPP) and the TDPP ...

4. pathfinder-recovery.com pathfinder-recovery.com/blog/addiction-education-resources

Addiction Education Resources: Virtual Treatment ... Evidence-based digital tools like VR therapy and CBT apps provide personalized, accessible recovery support with proven effectiveness—VR therapy ...

5. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/condition/219/addictions?activelyRecruiting=false&page=248

Addictions Clinical Research Trials The primary aim in the study is to determine if quetiapine treatment is associated with greater reduction in alcohol use than placebo in outpatients with ...

6. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/14E9CE024F8FC5D27598B8961CAA4A01A2FFCEB861BF/project-details/11113922

Research & Methods Core It will execute nimble, rigorously designed clinical trials investigating whether and how telehealth can enable more cancer care to be safely and effectively ...

7. mental.jmir.org mental.jmir.org/2022/5/e35159

Digital Health Interventions for Delivery of Mental Health Care A majority (52%) of research involved the treatment of substance use disorders, 29% focused on mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders, ...

8. pathfinder-recovery.com pathfinder-recovery.com/blog/addiction-therapy-near-me

Addiction Therapy Near Me: Accessible, Stigma ... Research confirms that most individuals with substance use disorders do not access treatment, with only 6.3% receiving care—a statistic linked ...

9. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35420979/

Safety and efficacy of a digital therapeutic for substance use ... The results demonstrate that use of a DT safely increased abstinence (reduced substance use) and retention in treatment among patients with substance use ...