Image

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Digital CBT to Treat Addiction: Digital RITch®CBT vs. Standard CBT

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Digital CBT to Treat Addiction: Digital RITch®CBT vs. Standard CBT

Recruiting
18-65 years
Male
Phase N/A

Powered by AI

Overview

Substance Use Disorders continue to increase across the United States with significant adverse effects resulting in more than $700 billion annually (NIDA, 2017) with high co-occurring rates of IPV. The negative consequences are devastating to families and society. This team has developed a digital, interactive platform, RITch®CBT for the convenience of participants' within their own home \& with out of session practice exercises. We propose to conduct a Phase I and II Study: UG3 (Phase I) and UH3 (Phase II) in collaboration with the FDA regarding ongoing feedback and regulatory processes. In Phase I, we propose a feasibility study, a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of RITch®CBT (n=20) among SUD-IPV diverse male clients entering addiction treatment comparing it to face to face 1:1 CBT (TAU, n=20). If efficacious, a Phase II (UH3, n=80) trial will be conducted to test the effectiveness of RITch®CBT among SUD-IPV compared to TAU (n=80) in reducing addiction and IPV.

Description

We propose to conduct a feasibility study across years 1-2 in collaboration with FDA's clinical data validation requirements to test the efficacy related endpoints of RITch®CBT by conducting a randomized trial. A total of 40 ethnically diverse male participants entering a substance abuse treatment facility, who meet current DSM-V criteria for substance dependence and have histories of IPV will be randomized to either "self-guided" 1:1 digital RITch®CBT Therapy (n=20) or 1:1 Standard CBT Therapy (n=20, non-digitized, 1:1 talk CBT). Each 60-minute session will occur 1x/week across 12 weeks of treatment.

  • Primary outcomes will measure self-reported cravings via the AUC/DUC, number of days abstinent from substance use and number total days abstinent from aggression, both measured by the Timeline Follow-Back method, with confirmation via breath samples, urine toxicology screens, and verified by collateral reports.
  • Primary Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, weekly through treatment, post-treatment, and at follow-ups 3, 6, and 9 months.
  • Secondary outcome measures will be impulsivity and distress tolerance as measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and Response to Conflict Scale (RTC), respectively.
  • Tertiary outcomes will be Q-submissions, FDA feedback on regulatory pathways and IDE approval/confirmation of IDE required filings across the protocol.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants between the ages of 18-65 will be 40 men entering outpatient treatment who

(1) meet current DSM-V criteria substance dependence (and use alcohol and/or stimulants within the 30 days prior to the screening session); (2) report verbal aggression, conflict/aggression in a current intimate relationship (e.g., yelling, screaming, pushing, slapping) within 30 days prior to screening; and (3) can read English at a 6th grade level.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants will be excluded if they: 1) Are currently in withdrawal from substance and in need of detoxification (such individuals may be re-evaluated following detoxification); 2) Have cognitive impairment (a mini mental state score \<25); 3) Have psychomotor epilepsy (e.g. impulsivity or rage related symptoms secondary to a seizure disorder, as this medical diagnosis is likely to be a confound in the proposed study); 4) Have major medical complications such as a head injury/trauma, or HIV dementia that may also be a confound in the study interventions; 5) Are currently receiving either substance abuse or IPV treatment elsewhere; 6.) Have a lifetime history of any psychotic or bipolar disorder; or 7) Are currently suicidal or homicidal or 8) severe violence (punching, chocking, use of weapons).

Study details
    Substance Use Disorders
    Alcohol Use Disorder
    Stimulant-Related Disorder

NCT05943171

University of Rochester

31 January 2026

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
We have submitted the contact information you provided to the research team at {{SITE_NAME}}. A copy of the message has been sent to your email for your records.
Would you like to be notified about other trials? Sign up for Patient Notification Services.
Sign up

Send a message

Enter your contact details to connect with study team

Investigator Avatar

Primary Contact

  Other languages supported:

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone number*
Other language

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
Add a private note
  • abc Select a piece of text.
  • Add notes visible only to you.
  • Send it to people through a passcode protected link.