IntACT for Substance Use Disorder

(IntACT Trial)

This trial explores a new method to assist people with substance use disorders (SUD) as they leave the hospital. It involves an IntACT team, a specialized support team, providing extra care to ease the transition to long-term treatment. Participants will receive either this new team-based approach or the usual care after hospitalization. This trial suits individuals hospitalized at the University of Utah Medical Center with any documented substance use disorder, except for those whose only issue is tobacco use. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative care strategies for SUD.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

In a previous study, researchers examined the safety of care teams similar to the IntACT approach, which assists individuals with substance use disorders. The study found that patients generally responded well to this type of support, with no major reports of harm or negative effects linked to the care model itself. This suggests that the IntACT treatment is likely safe for individuals.

Although specific safety data for the IntACT treatment is not available, the trial is at a stage where safety is usually well understood. This indicates that the treatment has likely undergone sufficient testing to demonstrate it does not cause major side effects. The main focus now is on its effectiveness.

Researchers are excited about IntACT for substance use disorder because it introduces a novel interdisciplinary approach to addiction care. Unlike standard treatments that often rely solely on inpatient or outpatient services, IntACT combines these with a specialized addiction care transition team. This team works across various healthcare settings to ensure a more seamless and supportive recovery process for patients. By bridging the gap between different care environments, IntACT aims to improve long-term outcomes and reduce relapse rates, which is a significant advancement over current standard care options.

Research has shown that successful treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) often involves keeping patients in care and providing strong support systems. Studies have found that patients who follow their treatment plans tend to experience better long-term results, such as reduced drug use and improved overall health. One study found that 36% of patients who completed at least eight weeks of treatment experienced significant benefits, while those who did not finish treatment were more likely to need to return. In this trial, participants in the IntACT Intervention arm will receive usual inpatient and outpatient services plus an interdisciplinary addiction care transition team. Programs with interdisciplinary teams, like IntACT, offer the comprehensive support needed to help patients transition from hospital care to long-term community treatment. This approach aims to improve treatment adherence and overall outcomes by providing coordinated care and peer support.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹