Families Left Behind (NCT06854757)
Families Left Behind: Addressing Prolonged Grief and Substance Use Disorders Among People Bereaved by Drug Overdose Deaths
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The United States is facing unprecedented rates of drug overdose deaths, profoundly impacting millions of families who are left to navigate their grief. Those bereaved by overdose experience a unique form of grief characterized by feelings of guilt, shame, and blame, which can worsen their suffering and deter them from seeking help. Individuals coping with overdose loss often endure more severe health consequences compared to those grieving non-drug related deaths, including prolonged grief disorder, substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, bereaved individuals, particularly those with a history of substance use, may engage in risky behaviors as a means of coping, further exacerbating the risk of overdose and mortality within this vulnerable population. Peer grief support interventions have emerged as a promising approach to assist those experiencing such losses. To combat these outcomes, we are collaborating with Peer Community Support Partners (PSCP) in a novel practice-research partnership to implement the RIVER peer grief support model. Though RIVER has shown success in community settings, it has yet to be rigorously evaluated. In a three-aim approach, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of the RIVER model while also enhancing and engaging grievers with support resources via medical examiner offices (MEOs), which routinely contact families during death investigations. This research represents a pivotal advancement in addressing the needs of the overlooked bereaved community, aligning with the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative to develop effective strategies against the opioid crisis. Together, community engagement and rigorous research efforts aim to enhance support for those affected by the tragedy of drug overdose.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office — Birmingham, Alabama
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- RIVER (BEHAVIORAL)
- Enhanced care as usual (BEHAVIORAL)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (4 Sites)
- Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office — Birmingham, Alabama
- San Diego County Medical Examiner Office — San Diego, California
- Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner — Farmington, Connecticut
- Peer Support Community Partners — Watertown, Massachusetts
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (703) 413-1100
Email: aathey@rand.org
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Grief
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Early Maladaptive Grief — Phoenix, Arizona
- Walk With Me (WWM) for Perinatal Grief — Eugene, Oregon
- Evaluation of Grief Therapy Approaches for Bereaved Parents — Stanford, California
- Cardiovascular Effects of Grieving — Tampa, Florida
- A Clinical Trial of Interventions to Support Family Surrogates of Critically Ill Patients — Miami, Florida
Explore by condition: All Grief clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.