Effectiveness of a CBT-based mHealth Intervention Targeting MOUD Retention, Adherence, and Opioid Use

FOA Title: HEAL Initiative: Behavioral Research to Improve MAT: Behavioral and Social Interventions to Improve Adherence to Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional

The focus of this study is to examine the effectiveness of imFREE relative to mHealth ED in facilitating treatment retention and adherence and reducing opioid use among adults with OUD initiating BUP treatment.

There are two specific aims: (1) to test the effectiveness of imFREE, delivered in conjunction with medical management with buprenorphine (imFREE + MM), relative to mHealth ED + MM, in facilitating buprenorphine treatment retention and adherence in a population of individuals with OUD initiating MM (N=200). (2) To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of imFREE.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18
• DSM-5 diagnosis of OUD
• no more than 2 weeks from the date of BUP induction
• able to read and comprehend English at the 6th grade level (determined by REALM)
• able to provide informed consent
• presently owns a mobile phone that can send and receive text messages

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Participants must not have:

1. Life threatening or unstable medical illness requiring treatment or making participation difficult
2. Dependence on alcohol or other illicit substances for which medical detoxification is imminently needed
3. Presence of acute psychiatric symptoms warranting intensive treatment or hospitalization (e.g., acute suicidality or mania).