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NCT06854757 · ClinicalTrials.gov registry record · NA

Families Left Behind

A NA study of Substance Use Disorders and Grief, sponsored by RAND.

Recruiting
Registry status
NA
Development phase
340
Enrollment target
4
Study locations

NCT06854757 is a NA study of Substance Use Disorders and Grief that is actively recruiting participants, run by RAND. The registered enrollment target is 340 participants, below the 496-participant average among 93 other Substance Use Disorders trials with a reported enrollment target (31% lower). The trial reports 4 study locations across 4 states.

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The verdict

NCT06854757, a NA study of Substance Use Disorders and Grief, is actively recruiting participants, sponsored by RAND.

RECRUITING
Registry status
NA
Development phase
340 participants
Enrollment target
4
Study locations

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.

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

FieldValue
Enrollment Target 340 participants
Start Date 2025-06-13
Est. Completion 2030-10
Phase NA

Sponsor

RAND

78 total trials

What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT06854757

The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT06854757 describes a study currently listed as recruiting, categorized as NA. The registered enrollment target is 340 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect, below the 496-participant average among 93 other Substance Use Disorders trials with a reported enrollment target (31% lower). The listed sponsor is RAND, which has 78 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov.

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.

NCT06854757 reports 4 study locations spanning 4 distinct geographic areas - top geographies include Alabama, California, Connecticut.

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.

What interventions are being tested in trial NCT06854757?

The interventions under investigation include: RIVER (BEHAVIORAL), Enhanced care as usual (BEHAVIORAL).

Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT06854757?

This trial is sponsored by RAND, which has 78 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

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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Data sourced from official public datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainTrial Editorial

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