Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Biopsychosocial Markers of Addiction in Opioid Users: an Integrated Approach

This study wants to understand why opioid addiction (Opioid Use Disorder or OUD) affects people differently and how it becomes more severe. In France, like other places, OUD is a growing problem. Researchers believe that a mix of personal life experiences, social situations, and biological factors in our bodies all play a part. They are collecting blood, saliva, and hair samples from people with OUD in France. By looking at these samples alongside detailed information about people's lives and health, they hope to find certain 'markers' that could show how severe someone's OUD is and predict how it might change over time. The goal is to provide a deeper understanding of OUD to help improve future treatments and support.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

350

Start

07 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

14 May 2029

Opioid Use Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is trying to get a better understanding of opioid use disorder (OUD), which is a serious condition where people have trouble controlling their opioid use. It can significantly impact their relationships and daily life. In many countries, including France, more and more people are struggling with OUD, and there’s a sad increase in overdose deaths. Researchers know that many different things can contribute to OUD, including a person's life experiences, social environment, and even their biology. This study brings together experts from psychiatry, sociology, and genetics to look at how all these factors combine.

The main idea is to study people with OUD and carefully record details about their social lives and mental health. At the same time, the researchers will collect samples like blood to look for tiny changes in their genes, called 'epigenetic markers.' These markers can show how life experiences might affect how our genes work and, in turn, how our brain and emotions function. By putting all this information together, the study hopes to create a clearer picture of what makes OUD more severe for some people.

The information gathered could help us better understand why OUD happens and why it affects people differently. Ultimately, this research aims to find new ways to measure the severity of OUD and predict how it might progress. This understanding could lead to more effective and personalized support and treatments for individuals living with this challenging condition.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand opioid use disorder (OUD) better.
It looks at how personal life, social situations, and biology combine to affect OUD.
Researchers will collect blood, saliva, and hair samples.
They hope to find new ways to measure OUD severity and predict its course.
Participation involves providing samples and sharing information over two years.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and speak French. You should be able to understand what the study is about and agree to take part. If someone else helps manage your legal affairs (like a guardian), they would also need to agree.

You must be currently using drugs and regularly attend certain support centers in France, like a low-risk consumption room or an addiction support centre. You also need to have used an illegal opioid drug or opioid medication (even with a prescription) at least once in the last three months. Examples of these drugs include heroin, buprenorphine, methadone, oxycontin, and tramadol.

However, you cannot join if you have trouble understanding information, are in a medical emergency, are currently involved in another study testing a new drug, or are under court protection that prevents you from making your own decisions about research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you speak and understand French?
Do you attend a low-risk consumption room or an addiction support center in France?
Have you used an opioid in the last three months (this includes prescription pain medicine or illegal opioids)?
Are you able to understand study information and give your consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first have a detailed discussion with the study team to understand everything involved and answer any questions you might have. You'll be asked to provide some samples, specifically a blood sample, a saliva sample, and a hair sample at the beginning of the study. You will also be asked questions about your experiences and social life. The study team will then follow up with you over a period of two years to see how things are progressing. There are no drugs or medications provided as part of this study; it's purely observational to gather information and samples.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information collected could help researchers understand opioid use disorder better, which could lead to improved support and treatments for others in the future. The main risks are minor discomfort or bruising from blood draws, and the time commitment for interviews and providing samples. All your personal information will be kept strictly private. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (3)

Service Universitaire d'Addictologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon
Verified postcode
Bron, France
Centre d'étude des mouvements sociaux (CEMS) UMR8044/INSERM U1276 - École des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS)
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Service d'Addictologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France

Common questions

What is opioid use disorder?

It's a serious condition where someone has trouble controlling their use of opioids, which can be prescription pain medicines or illegal drugs like heroin.

Why are you taking blood, saliva, and hair samples?

We're looking for tiny changes in your body, particularly in your genes, that might be linked to your experiences and social life, and how they affect your opioid use disorder.

Will I get any medication from this study?

No, this study is about understanding opioid use disorder, not testing new medicines. No treatments are given as part of this research.

How long will I be involved?

You will provide samples and information at the start, and then be followed for up to two years to see how things change over time.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, all your personal details and the information you provide will be kept completely confidential and private.