40 Participants Needed

Digital CBT for Substance Use Disorder

CJ
CC
Overseen ByCory Crane, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Male
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Rochester
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a digital therapy tool called RITch®CBT, designed to assist individuals with substance use issues and relationship conflicts. The goal is to determine if this digital approach is as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy. Participants must be men entering outpatient treatment who have recently used alcohol or stimulants and experienced conflicts in their intimate relationships. This study may suit those seeking a convenient, home-based therapy option. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to explore innovative therapy methods in a flexible setting.

What prior data suggests that this digital platform is safe for treating substance use disorder?

Research has shown that digital tools like RITch®CBT can effectively and engagingly treat substance use problems. Studies have found that digital therapies meet users' needs by being less stigmatizing and more accessible. Platforms with avatars, such as RITch®CBT, have demonstrated benefits in addressing mental health issues related to addiction and intimate partner violence (IPV). This suggests that the treatment is generally well-received.

While specific data on side effects for RITch®CBT is not yet available, the current testing phase focuses on evaluating its efficacy and safety. The main goal is to ensure its safety and effectiveness before wider use. If considering joining the trial, early research supports its potential safety and benefits.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Digital RITch®CBT for Substance Use Disorder because it offers a unique approach using digital avatars to assist with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Unlike traditional CBT, which relies on human therapists, this digital version can provide therapy anytime and anywhere, making it more accessible for patients. It also uses interactive elements that may increase engagement and motivation for individuals struggling with substance use, potentially leading to better outcomes. This innovative delivery method could revolutionize how therapy is provided, overcoming some limitations of conventional in-person sessions.

What evidence suggests that Digital RITch®CBT is effective for Substance Use Disorder?

Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats substance use problems. In this trial, participants will receive either standard human-administered CBT or the experimental Digital RITch®CBT. Studies have found that digital versions of CBT, such as Digital RITch®CBT, can reduce symptoms of substance use disorders and improve coping skills. CBT helps people change harmful behaviors and manage addiction. A review of studies supports the effectiveness of digital treatments, particularly for opioid use disorder. This suggests that Digital RITch®CBT could be a promising option for those seeking help with substance use issues.36789

Who Is on the Research Team?

JF

James Filingeri

Principal Investigator

University of Rochester

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men aged 18-65 entering outpatient treatment who have substance dependence, used alcohol/stimulants in the last 30 days, and experienced conflict in a relationship recently. They must read English at a 6th grade level.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a man aged between 18 and 65 entering outpatient treatment.
(1) meet current DSM-V criteria substance dependence (and use alcohol and/or stimulants within the 30 days prior to the screening session); (2) report verbal aggression, conflict/aggression in a current intimate relationship (e.g., yelling, screaming, pushing, slapping) within 30 days prior to screening; and (3) can read English at a 6th grade level.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either digital RITch®CBT or standard CBT therapy for 12 weeks, with 60-minute sessions occurring once per week

12 weeks
12 visits (virtual or in-person, depending on the group)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 3, 6, and 9 months post-treatment

9 months
3 visits (in-person or virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Digital RITch®CBT

Trial Overview

The study compares digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RITch®CBT) with standard face-to-face CBT to see which is more effective for treating substance use disorders and reducing intimate partner violence.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Digital RITch®CBTExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Human Administered CBTActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Rochester

Lead Sponsor

Trials
883
Recruited
555,000+

Rochester Institute of Technology

Lead Sponsor

Trials
15
Recruited
5,500+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials
2,658
Recruited
3,409,000+

Citations

CBTech Lab

RITchCBT®, is a customizable 12-session avatar-assisted DTx platform that delivers evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use and co- ...

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Digital CBT to Treat ...

In Phase I, we propose a feasibility study, a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of RITch®CBT (n=20) among SUD-IPV diverse male ...

Computer-based training for cognitive behavioral therapy ...

The results suggest that CBT4CBT is linked with a reduction in SUD symptoms and an increase in CBT skills, including change strategies and ...

Efficacy of CBT for substance use disorders | SAR

CBT for AOD is a well-established intervention with demonstrated efficacy, effect sizes are in the small-to-moderate range, and there is potential for ...

Computer Based Treatment for Cognitive Behavioral ...

The authors of this systematic review conclude that these results show that digital interventions can be effective in opioid use disorder and ...

Research | CBTech Lab

The results from one of our NIH funded clinical trials showed that our integrated model of CBT led to significant improvements in treatment outcomes among ...

Digital interventions for substance use disorders in young ...

Digital interventions have shown effectiveness and can provide more engaging, less stigmatizing, and accessible interventions that meet the needs of young ...

Avatar and technology assisted platforms in the treatment ...

This paper defines the benefits associated with the use of behavioral health avatar coaches in mental health treatment targeting substance use and IPV as well ...

RIT and FDA test digital therapy/avatar to treat addiction, ...

The goal of this study is to show that RITchCBT is as effective as a human therapist at reducing substance use disorder symptoms, Easton said.