Clinical trials · Boston, MA
Substance Use Disorders clinical trials in Boston
We’re tracking 36 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site in or near Boston — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Boston
- NCT06323824RecruitingPhase 4
Methadone vs. buprenorphine for opioid use disorder treatment
This study compares two medications, methadone and buprenorphine, to see which helps people stay in treatment for opioid use disorder. You may be eligible if you are starting a new treatment episode.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–99 - NCT04296604Recruiting
tDCS brain stimulation to improve thinking and mood
This study tests whether a non-surgical brain stimulation called tDCS can improve “executive function,” which means skills like planning, focus, and decision-making. It is designed for people with several mental health and substance-use conditions, and it may help you if those skills are affected by your diagnosis.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT07199335RecruitingPhase 4
Injectable HIV prevention drug for people who inject drugs
This study tests a long-acting injectable medication called cabotegravir to prevent HIV in people who inject drugs. If you have injected street drugs recently, you may be able to get this shot every few months instead of taking daily pills.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05934305Recruiting
Help for shame and stigma in HIV and substance use
This study tests whether a program can reduce shame and stigma for people living with HIV who also have a substance use disorder. It may help you feel less judged and cope better, while supporting HIV care.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06639438Recruiting
Sensory outcomes in people who use opioids
This study looks at how opioids affect the senses in people having planned surgery. Researchers want to compare patients who use opioids (for pain or addiction) with those who don't, to see if there are differences in sensation.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05817825Recruiting
Remote program to support recovery after opioid use
This study tests a new intensive outpatient program delivered by video or phone to help people with opioid use disorder (and other substance use disorders) stay on track after leaving the hospital. It may help by offering structured support while you are at home.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05910580Recruiting
Screening and support for alcohol and substance risk in adults
This study aims to improve care access and outcomes for adults who screen positive for risky alcohol or drug use. If you qualify, you may be offered ways to connect to support during your reproductive years.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05929677RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Study tests effects on impulsivity and how alcohol feels
This early-phase study looks at how alcohol affects impulsivity (tendency to act quickly) and people’s subjective experiences. You may be able to join if you drink regularly and meet the study safety rules.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 21–25 - NCT06042361Enrolling by invitation
Making smoke-free housing fairer for residents
This study aims to make smoke-free policies more equitable in affordable housing communities. If you live in one of the six selected properties in Massachusetts, Maryland, or New York, you may be able to participate in a survey or a group discussion.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07420283RecruitingPhase 2
Study of Brenipatide for opioid use disorder
This trial tests a new medicine called Brenipatide for people with opioid use disorder who are already taking buprenorphine but still occasionally use non-prescribed opioids. It aims to see if the study drug can help reduce opioid use.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07219966RecruitingPhase 3
Study of Brenipatide for alcohol use disorder
This trial tests an injectable medicine called brenipatide to help people with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder reduce or stop drinking. It is for adults who are motivated to change their drinking habits.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT07232641Recruiting
How pandemic rules affected opioid addiction treatment in the VA
This study looks at how changes in federal and state rules about medications for opioid use disorder during the pandemic affected veterans. It uses information already in your VA records, so there are no extra visits or tests needed.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06639464RecruitingPhase 2
Semaglutide to help with opioid recovery
This trial tests if semaglutide, a medicine sometimes used for weight management, can help people recovering from opioid use disorder stay on track. It is for adults who have already started buprenorphine treatment and are ready to take part in a research study.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06853665RecruitingPhase 4
Study of mixed amphetamine for autism and ADHD in teens
This trial tests if a mixed amphetamine medication helps teenagers with both autism and ADHD who still have significant symptoms, even if they are already on other treatments. It also includes typically developing teens as a comparison group.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 8–18 - NCT07219953RecruitingPhase 3
Testing brenipatide for alcohol use disorder
This study tests an experimental medicine called brenipatide to help people reduce or stop drinking. It involves getting a daily injection and completing check-ins and questionnaires over several months.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - NCT06661031Enrolling by invitation
Cannabis use help for young adults via phone app
This study tests a new program that combines telehealth coaching and a smartphone app to help young adults who use cannabis a lot to cut back or quit. If you are a patient at certain Boston clinics and use cannabis on most days, this study might be a good fit for you.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–26 - NCT06991205Recruiting
Web mind-body program for pain and substance use
This trial tests a web-based mind-body program to help people who have ongoing arm or hand pain and also use substances like alcohol or cannabis. It aims to improve resilience and reduce pain without requiring in-person visits.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06373016Recruiting
Ketone drink study for stable bipolar disorder
This study tests whether a ketone drink can change how the body uses energy in people with bipolar disorder. It may help understand new ways to manage the condition.
Charlestown, MassachusettsAges 18–45 - NCT04379115Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for people with opioid addiction
This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation approach to reduce opioid cravings in people who are actively using non-prescribed opioids while on stable methadone. It may help people feel less craving and improve recovery support.
Cambridge, MassachusettsAges 18–85 - NCT06854757Recruiting
Support after losing a loved one to overdose
This study is for people who lost a loved one to an unintentional drug overdose in the past year. It looks at how families are doing after such a loss and what kind of support might help.
Watertown, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07503067Recruiting
Understanding substance use consequences
This study looks at the experiences and consequences of substance use. It is for people who either use substances, care for someone who does, or have a close friend or family member who does.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05343598Recruiting
Using TMS to study hallucinations in schizophrenia
This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation method (TMS) along with brain scans (MRI) to better understand why hallucinations happen in schizophrenia. It may help researchers learn more about brain processes involved, which could guide future treatments.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–55 - NCT06128772Recruiting
Acupuncture study for chronic pain
This study tests if battlefield acupuncture, a specific type of ear acupuncture using tiny needles or tacks, can help veterans with chronic pain. It may be a good option if you have a history of substance use disorder and are interested in a non-drug approach to pain relief over 16 weeks.
Bedford, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07742722Recruiting
Peer support for veterans with mental health and substance use issues
This study tests a program where trained peer supporters help veterans who have been involved with the justice system and have mental health or substance use issues. It aims to improve their well-being and recovery.
Bedford, MassachusettsAges 18 years+
Hear when a new Substance Use Disorders trial opens near Boston, MA
We’ll email you when one opens near Boston, MA — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Substance Use Disorders trials in other cities
Where these studies are running near Boston
Institutions with a site for the recruiting substance use disorders studies listed above.
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 4 studies
- Adams Clinical · 3 studies
- Boston Medical Center · 3 studies
- Brigham and Women's Hospital · 3 studies
- McLean Hospital · 3 studies
- Brown University · 2 studies
- Fenway Health · 2 studies
- K2 Medical Research - Foxborough · 2 studies
What taking part in a substance use disorders study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Looking wider? See all recruiting substance use disorders studies in Massachusetts.
Common questions
- Are there substance use disorders clinical trials near Boston?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 36 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site near Boston, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a substance use disorders study near Boston?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in Boston to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site near Boston, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a substance use disorders trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New substance use disorders studies open near Boston regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.