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Autobiographical Memory in Opioid Use Disorder

Description

The research study is being conducted to better understand memory function in people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and whether memory training can improve the symptoms and lives of people with OUD. Further, this study seeks to identify how brain and heart activity contribute to memory function and OUD symptoms. Participants will be asked to complete a baseline assessment, four weeks of at-home memory training (MemFlex), and a post-treatment follow-up assessment. Everyone enrolled will receive MemFlex as there is no placebo group. Each visit will include collection of a urine sample for drug testing. During the baseline and follow-up assessments, researchers will collect brain information using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and heartbeat data using a wearable wristband sensor. MemFlex is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that does not pose any risk. However, the use of MemFlex in this study is experimental as it has not been tested in individuals with OUD. We will enroll 20 participants with OUD and 10 participants meeting healthy volunteer criteria.

Conditions

Opioid Use Disorder
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Related Conditions:

Opioid Use Disorder

Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The research study is being conducted to better understand memory function in people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and whether memory training can improve the symptoms and lives of people with OUD. Further, this study seeks to identify how brain and heart activity contribute to memory function and OUD symptoms. Participants will be asked to complete a baseline assessment, four weeks of at-home memory training (MemFlex), and a post-treatment follow-up assessment. Everyone enrolled will receive MemFlex as there is no placebo group. Each visit will include collection of a urine sample for drug testing. During the baseline and follow-up assessments, researchers will collect brain information using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and heartbeat data using a wearable wristband sensor. MemFlex is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that does not pose any risk. However, the use of MemFlex in this study is experimental as it has not been tested in individuals with OUD. We will enroll 20 participants with OUD and 10 participants meeting healthy volunteer criteria.

Neurobiological Correlates of Autobiographical Memory Training to Improve Opioid Use Disorder Outcomes

Autobiographical Memory in Opioid Use Disorder

Condition
Opioid Use Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Philadelphia

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Age 18 years to 60 years old.
  • 2. Willingness to provide signed, informed consent and commit to completing study procedures
  • 3. Subjects must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, laboratory tests, and other study procedures, and must have access to a cellphone.
  • 4. OUD subjects: Lifetime self-reported history of OUD (according to DSM-5 criteria)
  • 5. OUD subjects: On a stable dose (at least 2 weeks without change) of MOUD (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone) as confirmed by self-report, urine drug screening, and/or the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program database.
  • 6. OUD subjects: Access to a stable residence or space to complete the at-home treatment module
  • 1. Current severe psychiatric (e.g., bipolar disorder) or physical (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's disease) determined by self-reported history or physical exam and disorder deemed by PI to significantly interfere with brain function or make the study hazardous for the subject.
  • 2. Head trauma or injury deemed by PI as likely to impact the prefrontal cortex (e.g., loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes or skull fracture, intracranial bleeding, or abnormal MRI) as determined by self-reported history or physical exam.
  • 3. Medical condition or medical treatment that may interfere with the subject's ability to complete the intervention, at discretion of the PI (e.g., extended surgery planned or expecting to give birth during the course of the study)
  • 4. Inability to sit upright while remaining relatively still and operating a mouse and keypad.
  • 5. Current ongoing participation in a research study or participation in a clinical trial and receipt of investigational drug(s) or intervention during 30 days prior to the research study, except as explicitly approved by the Principal Investigator.
  • 6. Currently prescribed opioid medication for treatment of pain or other disorder (besides opioid use disorder).
  • 7. OUD subjects: Past 1-year history of non-OUD substance use disorder (other than nicotine, alcohol, or cannabis use disorders).
  • 8. OUD subjects: Positive urine drug screen for any tested substances except for opioids, cocaine, and cannabis at screening or the baseline assessment visit (a test may be repeated if it is needed to confirm accuracy).
  • 9. HC subjects: Lifetime history of any substance use disorder (other than nicotine use disorder at any time and alcohol or cannabis use disorders more than 1 year ago).
  • 10. HC subjects: Positive urine drug screen for any tested substances at screening or the baseline assessment visit (a test may be repeated if it is needed to confirm accuracy).

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pennsylvania,

Study Record Dates

2026-06