Clinical trials · Pennsylvania
Substance Use Disorders clinical trials in Pennsylvania
We’re tracking 26 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site in Pennsylvania — including Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 2/Phase 3 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Pennsylvania
- 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.
Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaAges 18–75 - NCT07756723RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Comparing PTSD treatments for veterans with substance use
This study compares two proven treatments for veterans who have both PTSD and substance use problems. It aims to find which treatment works best to help with trauma recovery.
Coatesville, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06415994Enrolling by invitation
Placental imaging and outcomes in opioid use disorder in pregnancy
This study looks at how the placenta and baby's development may be affected when a mother takes buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. It aims to find better ways to monitor health and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–100 - NCT04939012Recruiting
MyPath tool to help postpartum women plan next pregnancy
This study tests a patient-centered tool (MyPath) that supports reproductive planning for women with substance use disorder during late pregnancy and right after delivery. The goal is to improve how you get guidance about future pregnancy choices and care.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06585631Recruiting
Collaborative care for young men with HIV and substance use
This study looks at how to better support young men living with or at risk for HIV while also addressing substance use. You'll work with a care team that helps you stay healthy and connected to services.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 15–29 - NCT06856148Recruiting
Improving substance misuse prevention research use in state policy
This study aims to better share research on preventing substance misuse with state policymakers. It is for state-level public officials who help make or influence policy.
University Park, PennsylvaniaAges Any age - NCT07130500Enrolling by invitation
Rewards for sticking with long-acting injections
This study tests whether offering small rewards (like gift cards) can help people stick with a long-acting injection of their medication. It's for people with serious mental health conditions who have had a recent hospital stay or are at high risk of one.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–65 - NCT04294134Enrolling by invitation
Support program for mothers in residential substance treatment
This trial tests a support program for mothers (pregnant or with young children) who are in residential substance use treatment. It aims to improve well-being, family stability, and child safety—especially when children are at risk or in out-of-home placement.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges Any age - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–75 - NCT07654205Recruiting
Smartphone intervention for young adults with ADHD and heavy drinking
This study tests a smartphone-based intervention for young adults with ADHD who also drink heavily. It aims to help manage both conditions together. You may qualify if you are 18-25, have ADHD (combined type), drink heavily on a weekly basis, own a smartphone, and can read English.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–25 - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–75 - NCT06643988Recruiting
Memory and thinking study for opioid use disorder
This study looks at how people with opioid use disorder remember personal events. You'll do tasks on a cellphone and at home while taking medication for opioid use disorder.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–60 - NCT06559995RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Ketone drink for alcohol withdrawal
This study tests whether a special ketone drink can ease alcohol withdrawal and help your brain heal. If you have been drinking heavily for at least 3 years and are having withdrawal symptoms now, this might be an option for you.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–65 - NCT07612631RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Brain imaging study of alcohol and stress response
This research uses brain imaging to understand how two brain systems—one involved in stress and one involved in reward—interact in people with alcohol use disorder. The goal is to find new ways to help people reduce heavy drinking.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–55 - NCT05015881Enrolling by invitationPhase 2/Phase 3
Brain and heart scans in alcohol use disorder
This study uses special brain and heart scans to see how sugar (glucose) is used in people with alcohol use disorder compared with people without it. It may help researchers understand the brain–heart connection in alcohol use disorder.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 21–65 - 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.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–80 - NCT04616781RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Ketone drink study for alcohol use disorder brain function
This study tests whether a ketone-based treatment (a ketone ester) can change brain activity in people with alcohol use disorder who are not currently seeking treatment. You may also have brain scans, so the study is looking for safe MRI eligibility and certain health factors.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 21–65 - NCT07219056Recruiting
Sound therapy for adults with trauma and addiction
This trial tests a sound-based program (Safe & Sound Protocol) to help adults with both trauma and substance use disorder in residential treatment. It aims to see if this gentle listening therapy can calm the nervous system and support recovery.
Wernersville, PennsylvaniaAges 18–75 - NCT07773649RecruitingEarly Phase 1
PET scan to study energy use in brain of people with cocaine use disorder
This study uses a special PET scan to look at how brain cells make energy, which may be changed by cocaine. It might help researchers find better ways to treat cocaine use disorder.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–45 - NCT06379984RecruitingPhase 2
Quick-start buprenorphine for opioid addiction with fentanyl use
This trial tests a way to quickly start buprenorphine (a medication for opioid addiction) in an outpatient clinic for people who use fentanyl. It aims to make starting treatment easier and faster, without needing to go through full withdrawal first.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07602270Recruiting
How a Ketogenic Diet Affects Alcohol in Your Body
This study tests whether eating a ketogenic diet (very low carb, high fat) changes how your body processes alcohol. Researchers will have you follow a special diet and then measure your body's response to controlled amounts of alcohol in a lab setting.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 21–50 - NCT06136247Recruiting
Brain & thinking tests in opioid use disorder
This study tests whether brain scans and thinking tests can help understand opioid use disorder. It is for people on stable buprenorphine or methadone treatment.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–60 - NCT06786325RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin treatment study for opioid use disorder
This trial tests whether psilocybin can help people recovering from opioid use disorder while living at a residential treatment center. If you are already taking buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), methadone, or have received Sublocade, this study may be an option for you.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–60
Where these studies are running in Pennsylvania
Institutions with a site for the recruiting substance use disorders studies listed above.
- University of Pennsylvania · 11 studies
- University of Pittsburgh · 4 studies
- Adams Clinical
- Caron Treatment Centers
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Coatesville VA Medical Center
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center
- Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC
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 Pennsylvania?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 26 recruiting substance use disorders studies with a site in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 Pennsylvania to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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.