Only 400 spots left

~400 spots leftby Dec 2027

Network Overdose Prevention for Drug Overdose

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byCarl Latkin, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Physical inability, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to test a social intervention focused on overdose prevention and care. In the investigators prior work, the investigators have shown that people who use opioids (PWUO) can be effective peer educators (PEs).

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the Network Overdose Prevention treatment?

Research shows that involving social networks in overdose prevention can increase participation in training and potentially reduce overdose fatalities. Studies found that people with network members trained in overdose prevention were more likely to be trained themselves, and targeting central individuals in social networks may optimize intervention reach.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵

Is the Network Overdose Prevention treatment safe for humans?

The research articles do not provide specific safety data for the Network Overdose Prevention treatment, but they focus on using social networks to improve overdose prevention training and strategies.¹ ² ³ ⁶ ⁷

How is the Network Overdose Prevention treatment different from other overdose prevention treatments?

The Network Overdose Prevention treatment is unique because it focuses on using social networks to increase participation in overdose prevention training, leveraging relationships and community connections to enhance the reach and effectiveness of interventions.¹ ² ³ ⁷ ⁸

Research Team

Carl Latkin, PhD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who use opioids and live in the Baltimore area. They must have used illicit opioids at least twice in the past two weeks, be willing to teach others about overdose prevention, and recruit a non-using friend or family member. People with cognitive impairments that prevent informed consent or physical limitations for attending sessions cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing to engage in peer education

Self-reported illicit opioid use at least 2 times in the past two weeks

I am 18 years old or older.

See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

I can make my own health decisions and attend sessions in person.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants undergo 3 individual sessions focused on overdose prevention and response, training them to be Peer Educators. Non-drug using network members are offered one session.

3 sessions

Control

Participants receive the standard of care for overdose prevention in one session.

1 session

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after intervention, focusing on drug overdoses and network member contacts.

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

Network overdose prevention (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study is testing an intervention where people who use opioids become peer educators to help prevent overdoses, compared to standard health education. It builds on previous work showing opioid users can effectively educate their peers.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Experimental: Peer education and network supportExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

During sessions 1 and 2, participants will be taught information and skills pertaining to overdose prevention and response. During the 3rd session, participants will trained to talk to their non drug using network members in overdose prevention and response.

Group II: comparison: Standard of care of health educationActive Control2 Interventions

In one session, participants will receive the standard of care for overdose prevention.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

441

Recruited

2,157,000+

Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Chief Medical Officer since 2015

MD from Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Ellen J. MacKenzie

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Chief Executive Officer since 2017

MD from Johns Hopkins University

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Dr. Nora Volkow

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Chief Executive Officer since 2003

MD from National Autonomous University of Mexico

Dr. Nora Volkow

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Chief Medical Officer since 2003

MD from National Autonomous University of Mexico

Findings from Research

Among 106 injection drug users in Los Angeles, those who could name at least one person in their social network who had received overdose prevention training were over three times more likely to have received training themselves, highlighting the influence of social networks on training participation.

The study suggests that leveraging social networks could be an effective strategy to increase participation in overdose prevention training among injection drug users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Personal social network factors associated with overdose prevention training participation.Wagner, KD., Iverson, E., Wong, CF., et al.[2023]

In a study of 463 rural drug users in Appalachia, 28% had a history of overdose, and 57% were connected to someone who had overdosed, highlighting the widespread risk within social networks.

Targeting individuals who are geographically central and have previously participated in alcohol detox programs for overdose prevention training could enhance the effectiveness of interventions and potentially reduce overdose fatalities in the region.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Network and Spatial Data to Better Target Overdose Prevention Strategies in Rural Appalachia.Rudolph, AE., Young, AM., Havens, JR.[2020]