The Tieman Center for Research at Caron

In collaboration with SOLVD Health
 

This study is a post-market study examining the performance of the AvertD test in the real world. AvertD is a genetic risk assessment tool that can be used to identify whether or not an individual has an elevated risk for an opioid use disorder (OUD). The test is indicated for prior use in individuals who have never been prescribed an opioid prior to surgery so they can better understand their risks when planning for post-operative pain management. The Federal Food and Drug Administration approved the test in 2023. Researchers will recruit 3,000 individuals from around the country to take part in this study. Participants will be opioid-naive individuals who are undergoing a medical procedure that requires an opioid prescription post-procedure. Researchers will follow up once a year for five years after the procedure to determine if an OUD develops.

In collaboration with the University of Maryland, Baltimore

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a ketone supplement may help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving inpatient acute withdrawal care. Previous research has shown that ketogenic interventions may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with alcohol use disorder by providing the brain with an alternative source of energy. Because opioid withdrawal is also associated with disruptions in brain energy metabolism, this study will examine whether ketone supplementation may provide similar benefits for individuals with OUD. The primary objective is to determine whether a ketone drink, administered in addition to standard withdrawal treatment can reduce opioid cravings during acute withdrawal.

In collaboration with Caron's Psychology Department 

This study is being conducted to determine whether the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) application can help improve emotional regulation among individuals with co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders. Specifically, the study will evaluate whether SSP is an effective adjunct to treatment as usual in this population. SSP uses specially filtered music designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, which carries signals between the brain, heart, and digestive system and helps regulate essential involuntary functions such as heart rate and breathing. Pilot studies conducted at other sites have demonstrated promising effects on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related distress. This will be among the first studies to examine the effectiveness of SSP in individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and trauma who are receiving residential addiction treatment.

This retrospective cohort study examines patients receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) who have been prescribed a GLP-1 receptor agonist, such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. Using real-world clinical data, researchers are evaluating treatment engagement, substance use patterns, cravings, and other clinical outcomes over time. The study is intended to characterize this patient population and explore associations between GLP-1 use and clinical outcomes. Findings will contribute to the growing evidence base and help inform future research in the area.

In collaboration with Penn State College of Medicine

This NIDA-funded Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial tested the safety and efficacy of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist liraglutide, to reduce craving and improve clinical outcomes among people in residential treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

In collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania

This study evaluated the potential beneficial effects of ketone supplementation for alcohol detoxification in patients with alcohol use disorder undergoing inpatient treatment. The proposed intervention has been developed based on neurobiological studies on brain metabolism in alcohol use disorder and previous work on the beneficial effects of a ketogenic diet in alcohol use disorder during detoxification. A non-invasive dietary supplement that reduces withdrawal severity would provide a novel therapeutic option for alcohol use disorder during detoxification.

Development of a Predictive Model for Return to Use using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in collaboration with Penn State College of Medicine

This NIDA-funded study assessed prefrontal cortical brain activity while participants completed behavioral tasks, leveraging the portability and accuracy of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging. The results supported a model that predicted return to use within 90 days following treatment from Caron with approximately 95.8% accuracy for opioids and 88.1% accuracy for any substance. 

In collaboration with Caron's Education Alliance

Caron Treatment Centers' Nicotine Cessation Program, Project CONNECT®, is an eight-week nicotine cessation and reduction program provided to schools and youth-serving agencies, based on the Stages of Change Model. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Project CONNECT® in promoting nicotine cessation and reducing nicotine use among participants over a four-year period. Results demonstrated that participants increased their readiness to change, with 17.7% reporting complete tobacco cessation by the end of the program. Among participants who continued to use nicotine, the frequency of use decreased, indicating meaningful reductions in nicotine consumption even among those who did not achieve cessation.

Assessment of Suvorexant and associations between daily reports of mood, stress, craving and sleep using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in collaboration with Penn State College of Medicine

This pilot study assessed whether patients taking suvorexant demonstrated improved sleep quality (increased total sleep time, fewer awakenings) and mood, and reduced stress and craving. Data was also collected on salivary cortisol levels (stress measure) and the abuse liability of suvorexant.

In collaboration with Penn State College of Medicine

The goals of the proposed studies are to demonstrate the utility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to predict treatment outcome using affordable, onsite, translational neuroimaging among patients in residential treatment for alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder. The proposed projects both test the hypothesis that objective, brain-based measures obtained using fNIRS, combined with clinical characteristics such as severity of dependencies, craving levels, and sleep quality, can be used to accurately identify and inform patients who are at relatively greater risk of early return to harmful use, allowing providers to individualize treatment strategies and better inform and counsel patients to improve treatment outcomes. These proposed projects reflect a longstanding collaboration between Caron and Penn State focused on advancing translational neuroscience in addiction treatment through externally supported research initiatives.