A Randomized Pilot Trial of an Integrated Intervention Combining Computerized Behavioral Therapy and Recovery...

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Behavioral Psychology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with high rates of illicit drug use and poor retention in buprenorphine treatment.
• Novel interventions are needed to improve treatment outcomes for OUD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an integrated intervention (CBT4CBT+RC) for individuals with OUD receiving buprenorphine.
• To assess the intervention's impact on nonprescribed drug use and buprenorphine retention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial compared an 8-week CBT4CBT+RC intervention to treatment as usual (TAU) in 38 participants with OUD.
• Outcomes included recruitment, treatment initiation/completion, acceptability, saliva toxicology, and buprenorphine retention at 1- and 3-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Recruitment feasibility was 33.7%; 52.6% initiated CBT4CBT modules.
• The CBT4CBT+RC group showed significantly lower rates of positive drug toxicology compared to TAU during treatment and follow-ups.
• No significant differences were observed in buprenorphine retention between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The CBT4CBT+RC intervention demonstrated potential in reducing nonprescribed drug use among individuals with OUD.
• While buprenorphine retention was comparable to TAU, the reduction in drug use suggests CBT4CBT+RC as a promising adjunct therapy.