Digital Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

This trial tests a digital treatment designed to assist veterans with both opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain. The goal is to determine if this online program, Integrating the Management of Pain and Addiction via Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT), can manage pain and addiction more effectively than regular care. Participants will either use the digital program or continue with their standard treatment. Veterans suitable for the trial have been diagnosed with OUD, receive stable doses of buprenorphine, and experience bothersome musculoskeletal pain. They must also have a device with internet access to participate in study activities from home. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to a potentially groundbreaking treatment.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must be on a stable dose of buprenorphine for at least two weeks before participating.

Research shows that the digital treatment Integrating the Management of Pain and Addiction via Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) is being tested for safety and effectiveness. IMPACT combines two proven digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs. Previous studies have examined patient responses to these digital therapies.

Results suggest that digital CBT is generally well-tolerated, meaning most people can use it without issues. There have been no significant reports of harmful side effects for similar digital treatments. While the treatment is still under study, this type of therapy has been safely used in other contexts.

Researchers are excited about the IMPACT digital treatment for opioid use disorder because it offers a novel approach by integrating pain and addiction management through a collaborative digital platform. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medications like methadone or buprenorphine, IMPACT provides a structured digital intervention tailored specifically for veterans, allowing for personalized care without the need for in-person visits. This method not only aims to improve accessibility but also seeks to enhance long-term recovery outcomes by addressing both pain and addiction simultaneously.

Research has shown that the IMPACT program, a treatment in this trial, can help people manage chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). This online treatment enables patients to address their pain and addiction from home. Studies indicate that digital programs like IMPACT can help patients control their symptoms, potentially reducing pain and improving addiction management. The goal is to enhance daily life and facilitate continued treatment. Participants in this trial may be randomized to receive either the IMPACT program or Enhanced Treatment as Usual (ETAU), which does not include access to IMPACT.¹²⁶⁷⁸