Clinical trials · California
Substance Use Disorders clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 31 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site in California — including Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT07631598Recruiting
Buprenorphine at Needle Exchange Programs to Prevent Overdoses
This study tests whether offering buprenorphine (a medication that reduces cravings and withdrawal) directly at syringe service programs (places where people get clean needles) can help people with opioid addiction stay safe and reduce overdose risk. If you use opioids and visit a syringe service program, this may be an option to explore.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06678672Recruiting
Help for veterans who smoke before major surgery
This study tests a program to help veterans who smoke quit before a planned major surgery. The program uses rewards to encourage quitting, and it may improve surgery outcomes.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05156112Recruiting
PAP breathing treatment for veterans with PTSD and substance use
This trial studies whether using a PAP breathing device (a machine that helps keep airways open during sleep) can help veterans who have PTSD and a substance use disorder while they receive residential treatment. It’s specifically for people with obstructive sleep apnea and aims to see if this treatment is safe and helpful during recovery.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06296186Recruiting
PTSD treatment for veterans in substance use recovery
This trial tests a condensed form of prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD in veterans who are also receiving treatment for a substance use disorder. The goal is to help you process trauma and reduce substance use together.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06432985Recruiting
Smoking Cessation Program for Veterans with Cancer
This study tests a video-based program to help Veterans who smoke and are being treated for cancer or lung cancer screening to quit. If you're a VA patient in San Francisco and currently smoke, you may be able to join.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06679062RecruitingPhase 2
Suvorexant for alcohol use disorder and PTSD
This study tests whether the sleep medication suvorexant can help people with both alcohol use disorder and PTSD. If you're struggling with drinking, PTSD symptoms, and poor sleep, this trial may offer a new treatment option.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–65 - 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.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07042451Recruiting
Testing a phone app to support recovery after substance use treatment
This trial is testing whether a smartphone app called Pink Cloud can help people stay in recovery after finishing substance use treatment. You would need to attend one recovery meeting in the next week and use the app on your personal phone.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07214467Recruiting
Adaptive brain stimulation for opioid use disorder
This study tests a new type of brain stimulation that adapts to your brain activity, aiming to reduce cravings and help you control opioid use. It is for people with long-standing opioid use disorder who have not gotten lasting relief from at least 3 treatment attempts, including medication.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–75 - NCT07364799Recruiting
Sound therapy for stress in detained teens
This trial tests a multi-sensory therapy called SoundHeal for teens in juvenile detention. It uses sound and vibration to help with stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use.
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaAges 12–18 - NCT06952491Enrolling by invitation
Study on substance use and well-being
This trial tests a program to help people who use substances like cannabis, tobacco, or prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons. It aims to improve well-being and confidence in managing health.
San Mateo, CaliforniaAges 21 years+ - 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.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT06578429Recruiting
Deep TMS for methamphetamine use disorder
This study uses a type of brain stimulation called deep TMS to see if it can help people with methamphetamine use disorder reduce their cravings and use. You would receive daily magnetic pulses to specific brain areas over several weeks.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 25–75 - 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.
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT06399653Recruiting
Nerve stimulation for alcohol use disorder in veterans
This study tests a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in your neck (the vagus nerve) to see if it can help reduce alcohol cravings and improve daily functioning. It is designed for veterans who struggle with heavy drinking and want to explore a new treatment option.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 21–65 - NCT06415721Recruiting
TMS guided by brain scans for alcohol use disorder
This study uses a brain stimulation technique called TMS combined with MRI scans to treat alcohol use disorder. It aims to see if targeting specific brain connections can help reduce drinking.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 25–75 - NCT06949423Recruiting
Deep TMS for alcohol use disorder
This study tests whether deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) can change brain activity related to alcohol use. It is for people who have moderate to severe alcohol use disorder and are willing to attend clinic visits.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT06994338RecruitingPhase 2
Tirzepatide for alcohol use disorder
This study tests whether a medication called tirzepatide (a once-weekly injection) can help people reduce their alcohol consumption. It is for people who drink heavily, have a high BMI, and are actively seeking help to drink less.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–65 - NCT07226570Recruiting
Ibogaine brain mapping study for opioid use disorder
This study uses MRI and EEG scans to map how ibogaine affects the brain in people with opioid use disorder. You must already be scheduled to receive ibogaine treatment in Tijuana, Mexico, on your own, as the study does not cover treatment costs.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 21–70 - NCT07218354RecruitingPhase 3
Medication for reducing alcohol use in veterans
This study tests whether a medication (semaglutide) can help veterans reduce or stop drinking alcohol. It is for veterans who drink heavily and have alcohol use disorder, and who are interested in cutting down.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - 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.
Oakland, CaliforniaAges 18–99 - NCT07021352Recruiting
Ear acupuncture for emotional distress in military with PTSD
This trial tests whether ear acupuncture can help active-duty service members and veterans who have emotional distress related to PTSD. You will also receive mindfulness therapy as part of the study.
Fairfield, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07433985Recruiting
California mobile app study for men after jail release
This study tests a mobile app to help men recently released from jail or prison who use drugs or have sex with men stay healthy and avoid HIV. It's for people who don't have HIV and live in certain California counties.
Oakland, CaliforniaAges 18–59
Substance Use Disorders trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting substance use disorders studies listed above.
- University of California, San Francisco · 5 studies
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System · 4 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 3 studies
- VA San Diego Healthcare System · 3 studies
- Artemis Institute for Clinical Research · 2 studies
- San Francisco VA Medical Center · 2 studies
- Alameda Health System - Highland Hospital
- Ark Clinical Research
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.
Substance Use Disorders trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there substance use disorders clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 31 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site in California, 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 in California?
- 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 California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, 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 in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.