FostrSpace App for Addiction

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

Disqualifiers: Non-English, Cognitive impairment, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a digital app called FostrSpace can help reduce substance use among young people in foster care. The study focuses on youth aged 13-20 who are in the foster system and work with a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). Participants should be comfortable using English and have internet access. The trial will compare two groups: one receives detailed training, and the other gets a shorter, one-time session. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could positively impact the foster care community.

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 the FostrSpace app is safe for youth in foster care?

Research has shown that digital tools like the FostrSpace app are safe to use. In studies focused on opioid addiction, participants using the app reported no major safety problems. Young users appreciated its features and found it helpful, indicating it is easy to use and safe for everyday use. Although specific safety data for FostrSpace in reducing substance use among foster youth is limited, its use in similar situations has yielded positive results. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the FostrSpace App for addiction because it aims to provide support and training through innovative digital methods. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on in-person therapy or medication, FostrSpace utilizes a digital platform to deliver ECHO trainings, which can be more accessible and scalable. The app has two distinct approaches: the "InfoECHO" arm offers intensive biweekly sessions, while the "InfoOnly" arm provides a one-time training. This flexibility and focus on co-occurring substance use and trauma make it a potentially transformative tool in addiction support.

What evidence suggests that the FostrSpace app is effective for reducing substance use among youth in foster care?

Studies have shown that the FostrSpace app can help reduce substance use among young people in foster care. One study found that both groups using FostrSpace significantly reduced their drinking days over three months. The youth found the app's features appealing, helpful, and relevant. In this trial, participants will be divided into two groups: the InfoECHO group, which will attend six 90-minute biweekly ECHO trainings, and the InfoOnly group, which will attend a one-time 30-60 minute ECHO training. High participation in ECHO sessions, where the app was used, indicates strong interest. The app provides self-guided options to explore ways to prevent substance use and find mental health resources. These findings suggest that FostrSpace could be an effective tool for young people to manage substance use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Marina Tolou-Shams, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young individuals aged 13-20 who are in foster care and struggling with substance use, specifically addiction or prescription drug abuse. The study aims to help them through the use of a digital health application.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a CASA worker over 18, assigned to a youth aged 13-20.

Exclusion Criteria

I am a non-English speaker working with a youth nearing the end of CASA services.

Youth: Non-English speaking, within 3 months of ending with CASA services, cognitive impairment that precludes ability to provide informed consent

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

CASA volunteers attend ECHO trainings to facilitate FostrSpace app referrals

12 weeks

6 biweekly sessions (in-person or virtual)

App Utilization

Participants use the FostrSpace app to reduce substance use

8 weeks

Ongoing app usage

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after app usage

8 weeks

2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• FostrSpace

Trial Overview The intervention being tested is an online app called FostrSpace, designed to support youth in foster care with substance use issues. Participants will attend informational sessions as part of the study.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: InfoOnly Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

CASA volunteers will attend a one-time 30-60 minute co-occurring SU and trauma ECHO training.

Group II: InfoECHO Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

CASA volunteers will attend a six 90-minute/biweekly co-occurring SU and trauma ECHO trainings.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of smartphone-based, multi-domain cognitive training with gamified elements for patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), involving 60 participants in a randomized controlled trial.

The study will also assess the acceptability and feasibility of this mHealth intervention, gathering patient feedback to improve the tool, which could enhance conventional AUD treatments by addressing cognitive deficits that contribute to relapse.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brain+ AlcoRecover: A Randomized Controlled Pilot-Study and Feasibility Study of Multiple-Domain Cognitive Training Using a Serious Gaming App for Treating Alcohol Use Disorders. Mistarz, N., Nielsen, AS., Andersen, K., et al.[2021]

The SIDEAL mobile app was well-accepted by 24 adult patients with alcohol dependence, showing high usage rates (80% of study days) and high satisfaction levels, particularly with its self-register and feedback features.

Participants experienced significant reductions in alcohol consumption over 6 weeks, with binge drinking days decreasing from an average of 25 to 5.8 and mean daily consumption dropping from 6.5 to 1.9 standard units, indicating the app's potential efficacy in managing alcohol dependence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-management and Shared Decision-Making in Alcohol Dependence via a Mobile App: a Pilot Study. Barrio, P., Ortega, L., López, H., et al.[2018]

The 'Quest' app, designed for relapse prevention in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome, received high usability (5.8 out of 7) and acceptability (65%) ratings from users, indicating it is user-friendly and well-received.

While both groups (those using the Quest app and those receiving standard treatment) showed a significant reduction in drinking days over three months, there was no notable difference in relapse rates or heavy drinking days between the two groups, suggesting the app's effectiveness needs further validation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design, development and pilot testing of 'Quest', a smartphone-based relapse prevention app for patients with alcohol dependence. Sharma, AK., Shadakshari, D., Chand, P., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 22 controlled trials found that mobile health applications targeting substance use disorders can effectively reduce substance use, with eight applications showing significant reductions in usage among participants.

Most applications focused on educating users about the risks of substance use and managing cravings, suggesting that addressing cravings is crucial for preventing relapse, although the studies were limited by short durations and variability in their designs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Inventory and Analysis of Controlled Trials of Mobile Phone Applications Targeting Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review. Bahadoor, R., Alexandre, JM., Fournet, L., et al.[2021]

Out of 1973 participants offered the Connections app for substance use disorder, 40% downloaded it, and those who used the app showed improvements in their addiction-related behaviors over time, as measured by the Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM).

Participants referred by justice-related agencies preferred telehealth support from social workers, while self-referred individuals benefited equally from using the app alone or with recovery support services, indicating that self-motivated users may gain more from digital therapeutic tools.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The adoption and sustainability of digital therapeutics in justice systems: A pilot feasibility study. Wilde, JA., Zawislak, K., Sawyer-Morris, G., et al.[2023]

Mobile phone applications, when used alongside standard addiction treatments, can enhance the effectiveness of these treatments by providing tools for information, monitoring, motivation, and relapse prevention.

Most studies reviewed indicated that patients using these applications experienced a greater reduction in substance consumption compared to those receiving standard treatment alone.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Mobile phone applications for addiction treatment]. Penzenstadler, L., Thorens, G., Bachmann, S.[2022]

A quality assessment of 25 self-tracking smartphone applications for alcohol use revealed that 17 apps scored positively on usability and design, with most performing better than typical health apps, indicating a promising potential for user engagement.

Despite the overall positive design ratings, significant shortcomings were found in interactivity and content quality, highlighting the need for improvements in consumer information, app availability, and evidence-based content to enhance user experience and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design and Content Quality of Alcohol-Related German, French and Italian Self-Tracking Applications. Klingemann, H., Flückiger, M., Bongard, T., et al.[2021]

In a study of 170 adults with opioid use disorder, those receiving a digital therapeutic alongside standard treatment had significantly higher rates of opioid abstinence (77.3% vs. 62.1%) during the final weeks of treatment.

The digital therapeutic also improved treatment retention, with participants less likely to leave treatment compared to those receiving standard care alone, while showing no increase in adverse events, indicating it is a safe and effective addition to traditional therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and efficacy of a prescription digital therapeutic as an adjunct to buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder. Maricich, YA., Bickel, WK., Marsch, LA., et al.[2022]

A review identified six smartphone apps aimed at reducing alcohol consumption or treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), with only two apps (A-CHESS and LBMI-A) showing self-reported reductions in alcohol use.

The study highlights a significant gap in the evaluation of these apps, indicating that while smartphone technology has potential for aiding individuals with AUD, more rigorous testing is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smartphone applications to reduce alcohol consumption and help patients with alcohol use disorder: a state-of-the-art review. Meredith, SE., Alessi, SM., Petry, NM.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12065223/

Advancing access to substance use prevention for foster ... Youth feedback and FostrSpace app utilization data directly informed additional app adaptations in preparation for the full implementation-effectiveness trial.

2. bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-025-12811-9

Advancing access to substance use prevention for foster youth ... FostrSpace can further support youth-driven exploration of SU prevention and MH care resources by maintaining a selection of self-guided options ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-substance-use-2-2024-78eda

FostrSpace App for Addiction · Info for Participants While both groups (those using the Quest app and those receiving standard treatment) showed a significant reduction in drinking days over three months, there ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06875323

Study Details | NCT06875323 | FostrSpace-CASA R61/R33 The purpose of this study is to understand how an online digital health application (app) called FostrSpace can reduce substance use among youth ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/391630582_Advancing_access_to_substance_use_prevention_for_foster_youth_through_digital_innovation_an_open_trial_of_fostrspace_with_court_appointed_special_advocate_programs

an open trial of fostrspace with court appointed special ... All youth rated the app features, design and content as appealing, helpful and relevant. ECHO® -FostrSpace session attendance was high (most attended 5 or more ...