Clinical trials · California
Substance Use clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 15 recruiting substance use studies with a site in California — including Phase 2 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- 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+ - NCT06003725Recruiting
Drug treatment for Black youth on probation
This study is testing a drug treatment program that is made for Black youth involved with the justice system. It aims to see if a more culturally fitting approach can help reduce substance use and related problems.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 13–17 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - NCT06875323Enrolling by invitation
Online program to help foster youth and CASA advocates
This study is testing a new online program to help foster youth and their CASA volunteers communicate better. If you join, you'll use a website or app to share updates and stay connected with your advocate.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 13–20 - 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+ - NCT06216600Recruiting
Women's strength and resilience program for HIV and substance use
This study tests a program for women living with HIV who also struggle with substance use or heavy drinking. It combines exercise and support to help build strength and resilience. You may qualify if you've missed some HIV medications, have a detectable viral load, and have experienced violence.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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 trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting substance use studies listed above.
- University of California, San Francisco · 3 studies
- San Francisco VA Medical Center · 2 studies
- VA San Diego Healthcare System · 2 studies
- CAL-PEP
- David Grant USAF Medical Center
- Evidation Health
- Kindful Restoration
- Loyola Marymount University
What taking part in a substance use 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 trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there substance use clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 15 recruiting substance use 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 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 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 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.