Advancing STOP: Self-regulation Therapy for Opioid Addiction and Pain

Advancing STOP: Self-regulation Therapy for Opioid Addiction and Pain

The public health relevance of this proposed project is substantial given the current opioid abuse epidemic as identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This study finalizes and tests a new psychotherapy treatment that is designed to treat chronic pain and opioid addiction at the same time in a format that could be easily used in a community addiction treatment setting. Final products of the study will yield an integrated STOP (Self-regulation/Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Therapy for Opioid addiction and Pain) manual guided protocol, patient workbook, and therapist training protocol.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-65 years old;
2. Willing to adhere to study protocol including treatment sessions and assessments;
3. Individuals have a history of co-morbid opioid use disorder and chronic pain;
4. Cognitively able to participate and give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Acute or unstable psychotic disorder;
2. Psychiatric hospitalization or suicide attempt in the past 3 months
3. Patient has been diagnosed with an unstable cardiovascular condition including: myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, or poorly controlled hypertension in the past 3 months
4. Lack of verbal and written English fluency
5. Over the age of 65 since evidence suggests pain perception alters with age