| NCT ID | NCT06854757 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | RAND |
| Condition | Grief |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 340 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-06-13 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-08-29 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 340 participants in total. It began in 2025-06-13 with a primary completion date of 2026-08-29.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * people who lost a loved one to an unintentional drug overdose death within the past year * age 18 and older * fluently understand English or Spanish * have the capacity to give consent (e.g., excluding those with severe cognitive impairment, those in active psychosis, and those with developmental disabilities). Exclusion Criteria: * people who need hospitalization for psychiatric symptoms or substance use disorders. (Note, people who use drugs but who do not require hospitalization will be included.) * people have active suicidal ideation * people who lost someone to a drug overdose death more than one year ago * people who lost someone to a drug overdose death that was suicidal in nature or of undetermined intent
Contact & Investigator
Alison Athey, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
RAND
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06854757 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Grief. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06854757 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06854757 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at aathey@rand.org for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06854757 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Birmingham, United States, San Diego, United States, Farmington, United States, Watertown, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06854757 clinical trial?
NCT06854757 is sponsored by RAND. The principal investigator is Alison Athey, PhD at RAND. The trial plans to enroll 340 participants.