Clinical trials · Massachusetts
Substance Use Disorders clinical trials in Massachusetts
We’re tracking 28 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site in Massachusetts — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Massachusetts
- 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+ - NCT06548490RecruitingPhase 2
Semaglutide for Opioid Use Disorder
This study tests whether a once-weekly injection of semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) can reduce opioid use in people who are already on buprenorphine or methadone but still using opioids. It lasts about 19 weeks.
Fall River, MassachusettsAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT05138614Recruiting
Help for people with opioid use disorder and mental health needs
This trial studies a program meant to improve treatment access and support recovery for people with opioid use disorder who also have mental health symptoms. It may help if you are new to the program or recently relapsed, or if mental health symptoms have worsened—even without a relapse.
Holyoke, 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+ - NCT06790641Recruiting
Supporting mental health during and after pregnancy
This study aims to improve mental health care for people during and after pregnancy. It involves interviews or focus groups with healthcare providers, peer mentors, and patients to understand how to make support services more helpful and accessible.
Shrewsbury, MassachusettsAges 18–70 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
Worcester, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT07168642Recruiting
Study of MIO for mothers in substance use treatment
This trial tests a program called MIO to help mothers recovering from substance use disorders bond with their young children. It looks at how well the program works and how it can be put into practice.
Springfield, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+
Substance Use Disorders trials by city in Massachusetts
Where these studies are running in Massachusetts
Institutions with a site for the recruiting substance use disorders studies listed above.
- Adams Clinical · 3 studies
- Brigham and Women's Hospital · 3 studies
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 3 studies
- Boston Medical Center · 2 studies
- Fenway Health · 2 studies
- K2 Medical Research - Foxborough · 2 studies
- Baystate Medical Center
- Bedford VA Healthcare System
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 Massachusetts?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 28 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
- 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 Massachusetts to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts 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.