What’s New in the CTN?
Updates from the NIDA National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. Want to share some news about your protocol, node, publications or presentations, or other CTN-related work here and/or in the CTN Bulletin? Email us at ctnlib@uw.edu!
Youth SIG Webinar: Age, Period, and Cohort Effects in Alcohol and Other Substance Use (Jan 17, 11am ET)
Join the CTN Youth SIG for their next webinar, “Age, Period, and Cohort Effects in Alcohol and Other Substance Use: Implications for Health and Prevention,” presented by Katherine M. Keyes, PhD (Columbia University), on Friday, January 17, 2025, 11am-12pm ET. Incidence, prevalence, and persistence of substance use differ by generation and by substance. Understanding how each generation uses alcohol and other drugs, why, and how health is implicated is critical for public health. The presentation will overview what we know about current trends in substance use, how rates are organized…
CTN Primary Care SIG Webinar: Engaging Rural Communities and Practices in Substance Use Research (Jan. 27, 12pm ET)
The NIH recently launched a $30 million Communities Advancing Research Equity (CARE) for Health Initiative, which funds primary care research network hubs to engage rural communities and practices in research. As part of the pilot, CTN-0139 (Co-Care) is engaging with two newly funded rural hubs to expand engagement and recruitment in small rural practices. The January 27, 2025 Primary Care SIG meeting (12pm ET, 9am PT) will feature a panel to discuss how CARE for Health synergistically can enhance and contribute to CTN trials. The panel will include: Connect to the Zoom meeting.ID:…
Recording available: NIDA CTN: Future of AI in Medicine: Medical Imaging as an Example
A recording of this webinar, held on November 20, 2024, is now available! (passcode: N7A3h^SX) Presenter:Dr. Curt LanglotzProfessor of Radiology, Medicine, and Biomedical Data ScienceSenior Associate Vice Provost for ResearchDirector, Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & ImagingSenior Fellow, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) is an incredibly powerful tool for building systems that support the work of clinicians and researchers. Over the last decade, machine learning methods have revolutionized the analysis of medical data, leading to high interest and explosive growth in the use of AI and machine learning…
Learning for Early Careers in Addiction & Diversity (LEAD Program): Deadline extended to Jan 6!
The Learning for Early Careers in Addiction and Diversity (LEAD) program offers mentorship and training to postdoctoral fellows and assistant professors who are pursuing independent research careers in substance use and substance use disorder treatment. This support is aimed at individuals from racial and ethnic minoritized groups who are underrepresented among NIH-funded investigators in this field. The LEAD Program uses the NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) as a platform for training early-careerinvestigators. This 3-year training program is based at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and visiting scholars spend…
New in the Library (November-December 2024)
Here are the latest items added to the CTN Dissemination Library for November-December 2024 (this post will be updated as new items come in): Efficient and Flexible Mediation Analysis with Time-Varying Mediator, Treatments, and Confounders. Díaz I, Journal of Causal Inference 2023;11(1):20220077. (CTN-0051) Pharmacy-Based Preventive Services for Opioid Use Disorder: A Survey of U.S. Pharmacists. Wu L, et al. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice 2024;19:88. (primary outcomes for CTN-0105) CTN-0138: Adaptation, Implementation, and Cluster Randomized Trial of a Community Pharmacy-Based Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Opioid Risk Assessment Tool — A Protocol Paper….
NIDA Diversity Scholars Network Program Now Accepting Applications!
he NIDA, Office of Research Training, Diversity, and Disparities (ORTDD) is excited to share that the 2025 NIDA Diversity Scholars Network (NDSN) program is now accepting applications! The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025! NIDA is seeking applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, who are interested in conducting substance use and addiction research. The NDSN is a grant-writing program aimed at enhancing the funding success of early-stage investigators. The program consists of three workshops and culminates in a mock review meeting experience. Questions? Contact Isabela Ellenwood (NDSN@nih.gov)….
Youth SIG Webinar Recording Available: Scaling Out Evidence-Based Interventions Through Primary Care Settings: A Case Study of the PAAS Program
The CTN Youth SIG hosted the following webinar in November 2024. The recording is now available! Title: Scaling Out Evidence-Based Interventions Through Primary Care Settings: A Case Study of the Pathways for African Americans (PAAS) Program Presenter:Velma McBride Murry, PhDLois Autrey Betts Endowed ChairCo-Director, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program for Health Equity ResearchDistinguished University Professor, Departments of Health Policy & Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University This presentation highlighted the role of primary care setting as a conduit for evidence-based intervention access for families. In addition, attention was given the need to focus…
News from the Southern Consortium Node
The Southern Consortium Node held its quarterly Policy Advisory Committee meeting on September 16, 2024 at the Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Orangeburg, SC. One of the committee’s members, Mike Dennis, leads Tri-County and provided the committee with a tour of its newly-constructed adolescent treatment facility. The committee then convened for an in-depth discussion of challenges and opportunities for research and practice enhancement in the areas of substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, with a special focus on the Southeastern region of the United States. Posted…
News from the Health Systems Node
Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, Health System Node faculty, and Research Scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, co-authored a new report examining the problem of increasing potency of cannabis and cannabis products as a member of an independent scientific committee convened by the California Department of Public Health. The report, Report and Recommendations of the High Potency Cannabis Think Tank to the State of California, shares health and equity-based policy recommendations to increase public awareness, promote safer use and reduce exposure to the highest risk groups. Download…
2025 NIDA Summer Research Internship Program: Apply by Jan 6, 2025
NIDA’s Office of Research Training, Diversity, and Disparities offers paid summer research internships to expose undergraduate students to the field of substance use and addiction research. Selected students work with distinguished scientists at research institutions across the United States for eight weeks during the summer. Internships involve hands-on experiences that may include laboratory experiments, data collection, data analysis, formal courses, participation in lab meetings, patient interviews, manuscript preparation, library research, literature reviews, and more. This effort is intended to provide opportunities for talented students, particularly those who have fewer opportunities…
News from the Appalachian Node
David Scott, Appalachian Node CTN-0100 Project Coordinator and CIRCL member, moderated a plenary session, Spectrums in Recovery and Treatment, at the AMERSA annual meeting in Chicago, November 2024. The session, attended by the 800 conference participants, featured a panel of three individuals with lived experience who are national leaders in advocating and supporting individuals who use drugs. Laura Lander, MSW, LICSW gave an interview to Lori Kersey of West Virginia Watch about SB 2028 on October 22, 2024, a bill written and signed into Law by the governor on October…
Northeast Node Webinar: Medications for OUD for Youth (Dec. 5, 12pm ET)
In 2021, one in every 100 kids aged 12-17 had an opioid use disorder (OUD). Medication treatment for OUD (MOUD) is effective, but only 3-4% of youth who need it receive treatment. This session will outline features of youth treatment for OUD, evidence for treating youth with medications, youth MOUD uptake and retention, the role of families in care, and opportunities for interdisciplinary care teams in outpatient settings. In this extended session, Dr. Marc Fishman (Mountain Manor & Johns Hopkins) will also facilitate interactive case reviews with attendees. If you…
NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan Seeking Input
Charged with leading scientific research to improve minority health and reduce health disparities, NIMHD is launching the development of the 2026 – 2030 NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan. The NIH wants to hear your experiences, insights and ideas to help shape the future of minority health and health disparities research efforts. Share your input on the new strategic plan at upcoming community virtual townhalls and respond to the newly released Request for Information (NOT-MD-25-002; deadline December 31, 2024). These important opportunities are open to all. Join NIH…
News from the Ohio Valley Node
CTN-0150 (TOME) study is completed! The CTN-OVN has successfully completed the CTN-0150 (TOME; LI – Winhusen) study activities and is now heading into data analysis. This study was part of the supplemental IMPROVE funds from NIDA and the NICHD awarded to the OVN to utilize the CTN-0080 study as a platform to collect additional data regarding Opioid Use Disorder in pregnant/postpartum populations. TOME included two objectives: 1) to evaluate the ability of the Personally-Tailored Opioid-overdose and Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) Education (TOME) intervention to increase MOUD and opioid-overdose…
New in the Library (October-November 2024)
Here are the latest items added to the CTN Dissemination Library for October-November 2024 (this post will be updated as new items come in): Machine Learning-Driven Analysis of Individualized Treatment Effects Comparing Buprenorphine and Naltrexone in Opioid Use Disorder Relapse Prevention. Afshar M, et al. Journal of Addiction Medicine 2024;18(5):511-519. (CTN-0051) Variation in Opioid Agonist Dosing in Clinical Trials by Race and Ethnicity. Ross RK, et al. JAMA Network Open 2024;7(10):e2436612. Sublingual Buprenorphine-Naloxone Compared With Injection Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder: Potential Utility of Patient Characteristics in Guiding Choice of…
CTN T&I SIG Webinar: Implementation Outcomes in NIDA Clinical Trials Network Studies (Nov. 19, 9am PT)
Join the Translation and Implementation SIG on November 19th (9am-10am PT) for their next session, titled, “Implementation Outcomes in NIDA Clinical Trials Network Studies: A Systematic Review of Studies Conducted Over 25 Years in the CTN.“ This webinar will be presented by Sophia Gonzalez, MPH and Joe Glass, PhD, MSW of the CTN T&I Implementation Outcomes Workgroup and will focus on a study to explore and document the evolution of the inclusion of implementation outcomes across trials conducted within the CTN, characterize outcomes included, identify gaps and potential opportunities to…
New in the Library (September-October 2024)
Here are the latest items added to the CTN Dissemination Library for September– October 2024 (this post will be updated as new items come in): Falling Through the Cracks: The Struggle of Adolescents with Opioid Use Disorder in the Face of Limited Treatment Options. Kaliamurty S. Youth Special Interest Group (SIG) webinar, September 2024. Changes in Prenatal Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Individuals From 2012 to 2022. Young-Wolff KC, et al. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2024;144(4):e101-e104. Effectiveness of a Vaping Cessation Text Message Program Among a Diverse and High-Risk Sample of Adolescent…
News from the Health Systems Node
After 10 years of leadership as Project Director for the Health System Node, Andrea Altschuler, PhD is passing the torch to Monique Buffler, MPH. Fortunately, Andrea will continue to be involved in HSN with community engagement efforts. In her new role, Monique will assist MPIs with coordination and management of node activities. Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH, site PI with the Health System Node, and Research Scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, was part of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) consensus panel who…
Submit CPDD Paper/Poster Abstracts to CTN Publications Committee by November 29, 2024
CTN members: The receipt deadline for paper and poster abstracts for the June 2025 CPDD annual meeting is December 27, 2024. The Publication Committee would like to remind authors that presentations and poster abstracts should be submitted to the Publications Committee for prior review and approval at least a month in advance (November 29, 2024) of submission receipt deadline for CPDD. Due to holiday schedules, the PC cannot guarantee that we will be able to review and provide comments if these abstracts are not received by December 11th. Please…
News from the Big South/West Node
The Big South/West Node is pleased to announce that recruitment for CTN-0132 KMD has officially commenced. This randomized, double-blind, active placebo trial aims to investigate the use of IV ketamine versus midazolam in the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). During the 12-week study, participants will receive cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Currently, two sites are active, and we expect to endorse two additional sites by early November.