RIMO for Opioid Use Disorder

(RIMO Trial)

This trial examines a new method to support individuals recovering from an opioid overdose. It aims to determine if the Recovery Initiation and Management after Overdose (RIMO) program, which offers personalized recovery support, is more effective in facilitating treatment entry than the standard referral process. Participants will either receive RIMO support or information about available treatment options. The trial is open to individuals in Chicago who experienced an overdose reversed by naloxone in the past week and have not recently been in treatment. As an unphased trial, it provides participants the chance to contribute to innovative recovery strategies that could influence future care.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the research staff when you are contacted.

Research has shown that the Recovery Initiation and Management after Overdose (RIMO) program helps individuals access necessary treatment following an overdose. In past studies, participants using the RIMO method were more likely to receive treatment than those who did not. Reports of side effects or negative experiences with RIMO are few, as it emphasizes meetings and support rather than medication.

Researchers are excited about the RIMO approach for opioid use disorder because it combines motivational interviewing with practical support to overcome barriers to treatment. Unlike traditional methods, such as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) alone, RIMO actively engages participants by addressing their personal obstacles like childcare and transportation. This personalized and supportive strategy not only motivates individuals to initiate recovery after an overdose but also helps them stay committed to long-term change, something standard treatments may not fully address.

Research has shown that the Recovery Initiation and Management after Overdose (RIMO) program, which participants in this trial may receive, effectively helps people begin treatment for opioid addiction. One study found that individuals in the RIMO program were almost eight times more likely to receive any form of treatment for opioid use. They were also over twenty times more likely to receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which uses medicines to help manage addiction. This indicates that RIMO significantly increases the chances of obtaining necessary help to manage opioid use after an overdose.¹²³⁵⁶