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Families Left Behind
NCT06854757 · View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Study Summary
The United States is facing unprecedented rates of drug overdose deaths, profoundly impacting millions of families who are left to navigate their grief. Those bereaved by overdose experience a unique form of grief characterized by feelings of guilt, shame, and blame, which can worsen their suffering and deter them from seeking help. Individuals coping with overdose loss often endure more severe health consequences compared to those grieving non-drug related deaths, including prolonged grief disorder, substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, bereaved individuals, particularly those with a history of substance use, may engage in risky behaviors as a means of coping, further exacerbating the risk of overdose and mortality within this vulnerable population. Peer grief support interventions have emerged as a promising approach to assist those experiencing such losses. To combat these outcomes, we are collaborating with Peer Community Support Partners (PSCP) in a novel practice-research partnership to implement the RIVER peer grief support model. Though RIVER has shown success in community settings, it has yet to be rigorously evaluated. In a three-aim approach, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of the RIVER model while also enhancing and engaging grievers with support resources via medical examiner offices (MEOs), which routinely contact families during death investigations. This research represents a pivotal advancement in addressing the needs of the overlooked bereaved community, aligning with the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative to develop effective strategies against the opioid crisis. Together, community engagement and rigorous research efforts aim to enhance support for those affected by the tragedy of drug overdose.
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- BEHAVIORAL RIVER
- BEHAVIORAL Enhanced care as usual
Study Locations (4)
Alabama
- Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office — Birmingham
California
- San Diego County Medical Examiner Office — San Diego
Connecticut
- Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner — Farmington
Massachusetts
- Peer Support Community Partners — Watertown
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 340 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-06-13 |
| Est. Completion | 2030-10 |
| Phase | NA |
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Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT06854757
The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT06854757 describes a study currently listed as recruiting. It is categorized as NA, which is the standard way researchers label where a study sits along the investigational pathway from early safety work through later efficacy and post-marketing evaluation. The registered enrollment target is 340 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect. The listed sponsor is RAND, which has 57 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov, and sponsors are the parties responsible for study design, oversight, and regulatory filings.
The record links to 4 conditions, with Substance Use Disorders appearing as the primary indexed condition, and to 2 interventions — of which RIVER is the first listed. Interventions can include drugs, devices, procedures, behavioral programs, or observational arms, and each is tracked as a separate registry field so that downstream queries can filter accurately. When a trial lists multiple interventions, it usually reflects a multi-arm design or a comparison protocol rather than a single treatment being tested in isolation. The brief summary published in the registry is the clearest source of protocol intent and should be read before drawing conclusions from any sidebar tags.
Geographic footprint matters for practical reasons: NCT06854757 reports 4 study locations spanning 4 distinct geographic areas — top geographies include Alabama, California, Connecticut. A larger site network tends to correlate with broader recruitment capacity, but it does not imply anything about study quality, and site-level enrollment status can diverge from the overall registry status shown above. Every data point on this page comes from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset and is reproduced here for reference only; it is not a medical recommendation, an endorsement of the sponsor, or an invitation to enroll. Verify current status, eligibility criteria, and contact details directly at ClinicalTrials.gov, and discuss any participation decision with your own healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT06854757 about?
NCT06854757 is a clinical study titled "Families Left Behind". The United States is facing unprecedented rates of drug overdose deaths, profoundly impacting millions of families who are left to navigate their grief. Those bereaved by overdose experience a unique form of grief characterized by feelings of guilt, shame, and blame, which can worsen their suffering...
What is the current status of trial NCT06854757?
This trial is currently recruiting. It is a NA study. The enrollment target is 340 participants. The study started on 2025-06-13. Estimated completion is 2030-10.
What conditions does trial NCT06854757 study?
This clinical trial studies the following conditions: Substance Use Disorders, Grief, Overdose Accidental, Grief Disorder, Prolonged. These conditions were identified from the trial registry and reflect the primary focus areas of the research.
What interventions are being tested in trial NCT06854757?
The interventions under investigation include: RIVER (BEHAVIORAL), Enhanced care as usual (BEHAVIORAL). Each intervention is being evaluated for safety and efficacy as part of this clinical study.
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT06854757?
This trial is sponsored by RAND, which has 57 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The sponsor is responsible for the study's design, funding, and regulatory compliance.
Where is trial NCT06854757 being conducted?
This trial has 4 study locations across Alabama, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts. Contact the study sites directly through ClinicalTrials.gov for enrollment availability.
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