Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a community support intervention for people with opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: People receiving agonist treatment for opioid use disorder often have family or friends who do not use illicit substances and could be mobilized to support recovery efforts. The present study evaluates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a community support intervention (CSI) designed to increase drug-free social support and expand drug-free network support. METHODS: Participants receiving methadone treatment and using illicit drugs (n = 33) were randomly assigned to a weekly CSI or education group for 12 weeks. CSI participants attended the group with a drug-free family member or friend, and were scheduled to engage together in two community activities per week designed to meet drug-free people. Education participants attended a weekly education group and were given two weekly written homework sessions. RESULTS: CSI groups were well attended. CSI participation was associated with reduced conflict with the family member or friend, and with increased engagement in self-help groups. No condition differences were observed in social network variables or urinalysis results, though four CSI participants (24%) compared to 0 education participants met criteria for substantial (>75%) reductions in drug use. Many eligible patients chose not to participate. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest good implementation feasibility and acceptability, and low demand feasibility. Broader clinical implementation requires strategies to improve patient willingness to enlist available social support. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Mobilizing family and friends to provide social support for people engaged in active drug use is possible. More work is needed on how to leverage support to change existing networks.