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| ID | Type | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorandum of Understanding | Other Identifier | Correctional Service of Canada |
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| Name | Class |
|---|---|
| Correctional Service of Canada | OTHER_GOV |
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Problems with substance use are common in prisoners. Since most substances are still illegal in Canada, substance use problems can increase the risk for re-incarceration. Although research suggests that treatment may reduce these risks, they are still rarely used in correctional settings. This pilot study will examine the feasibility and usefulness of two digital treatments for substance use problems in individuals recently released from prison. The investigators will compare engagement across both treatments over a 6-month period, and assess the rates of substance use relapse and re-incarceration.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy | Experimental | Participants will complete a 7-module digital treatment intervention for substance use, using cognitive behavioural therapy practices. |
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| Breaking Free Online | Experimental | Participants will complete a 6-module digital treatment intervention for substance use, using cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques. |
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| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breaking Free Online (BFO) | Other | BFO is a digital intervention for substance use problems and commonly co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Its structure is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. It is self-directed by the individual and can be done on a smartphone, tablet, or online. BFO provides techniques for cognitive restructuring (i.e., reshaping how we view certain situations) and managing and planning for high-risk situations (e.g., minimizing relapse in the face of certain triggers). |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Feasibility of Digital Treatment Interventions | Number of enrolled pilot trial participants, overall and by intervention. | End of enrollment (~6 months) |
| Overall Substance Use Treatment Engagement | The number and percentage of modules, and homework modules, completed. | End of enrollment (~6 months) |
| Perceived Treatment Utility | Mean module and overall treatment rating using a 4-question "Module Utility" scale created by the research team. This is an 11-point Likert scale (0-10) rating the importance, relevance, usefulness, and likeliness to recommend treatment, with higher scores indicating better utility. | End of enrollment (~6 months) |
| Efficacy of Treatment Module Content | Treatment modules include quizzes with several true or false questions (5-10 questions per module) that assess individuals' understanding of the content learned. Overall performance on intervention quizzes in treatment modules will be examined using the total number of questions answered correctly, with higher scores indicating a better understanding of the treatment modules. | End of enrollment (~6 months) |
| Efficacy of Digital Treatment Interventions for Substance Use | Substance use relapse documented by the CSC staff. | Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion) |
| Efficacy of Digital Treatment Interventions for Recidivism | Institutional readmission documented by the CSC staff. | Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion) |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Between-Intervention Feasibility Outcomes | Comparing treatment utility ratings on the 4-question "Module Utility" questionnaire between interventions. | End of enrollment (~6 months) |
| Between-Intervention Efficacy Outcomes for Substance Use |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals who have never served a custodial sentence with the CSC
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| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James MacKillop, PhD, CPsych, FCAHS | Contact | 905-522-1155 Ext. 3949 | jmackill@mcmaster.ca |
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| James MacKillop, PhD, CPsych, FCAHS | Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salvation Army Booth Centre | Recruiting | Brantford | Ontario | N3T 2J6 | Canada |
Data from criminal justice-involved participants is considered sensitive and the Correctional Services of Canada prohibits the sharing of individual participant data with other organizations. Therefore, we will not be sharing IPD. Only aggregate and anonymized data in written research reports will be publicly shared.
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| Type | Includes Protocol | Includes SAP | Includes ICF | Document Label | Document Date | Document Uploaded Date | Document File Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prot_SAP | Yes | Yes | No | Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan | Dec 8, 2025 |
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| Computer-Based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT4CBT) | Other | CBT4CBT is a digital intervention used for substance use problems through the application of CBT techniques. The program involves various video modules, educational games, quizzes, interactive videos, and more. The modules are self-paced and can be done online. Modules will focus on teaching users core skills to avoid substance use and ways of effectively communicating. It discusses various situations where potential triggers could arise, and homework done afterwards allows the user to identify their own personal triggers and individualize how they can minimize these risks. |
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Comparing substance use relapse as documented by CSC staff between treatment groups.
| Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion) |
| Between-Intervention Efficacy Outcomes for Recidivism | Comparing institutional readmission as documented by CSC staff between treatment groups. | Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion) |
| The Salvation Army - Ellen Osler Home | Recruiting | Dundas | Ontario | L9H 2E8 | Canada |
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| The St. Leonard's Society Of Hamilton | Recruiting | Hamilton | Ontario | L8L 2P2 | Canada |
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| St Leonard's Clinton House | Recruiting | Hamilton | Ontario | L8N 2V2 | Canada |
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| Dec 19, 2025 |
| Prot_SAP_000.pdf |
| ICF | No | No | Yes | Informed Consent Form | Sep 30, 2025 | Dec 19, 2025 | ICF_001.pdf |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D019966 | Substance-Related Disorders |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D064419 | Chemically-Induced Disorders |
| D001523 | Mental Disorders |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D015928 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D001521 | Behavior Therapy |
| D011613 | Psychotherapy |
| D004191 | Behavioral Disciplines and Activities |
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