Correctional Service of Canada Pilot Trial of Digital Substance Use Disorder Interventions (PROCESS)

Sponsor
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Study ID
NCT07342218
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 55 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Breaking Free Online (BFO) — OTHER
    BFO is a digital intervention for substance use problems and commonly co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Its structure is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. It is self-directed by the individual and can be done on a smartphone, tablet, or online. BFO provides techniques for cognitive restructuring (i.e., reshaping how we view certain situations) and managing and planning for high-risk situations (e.g., minimizing relapse in the face of certain triggers).
  • Computer-Based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT4CBT) — OTHER
    CBT4CBT is a digital intervention used for substance use problems through the application of CBT techniques. The program involves various video modules, educational games, quizzes, interactive videos, and more. The modules are self-paced and can be done online. Modules will focus on teaching users core skills to avoid substance use and ways of effectively communicating. It discusses various situations where potential triggers could arise, and homework done afterwards allows the user to identify their own personal triggers and individualize how they can minimize these risks.

Study Details

Problems with substance use are common in prisoners. Since most substances are still illegal in Canada, substance use problems can increase the risk for re-incarceration. Although research suggests that treatment may reduce these risks, they are still rarely used in correctional settings. This pilot study will examine the feasibility and usefulness of two digital treatments for substance use problems in individuals recently released from prison. The investigators will compare engagement across both treatments over a 6-month period, and assess the rates of substance use relapse and re-incarceration.

Key Dates

First listed
Jan 15, 2026
Start date
Feb 25, 2026
Status verified
Nov 2025
Primary completion
Jul 31, 2026
Completion
Mar 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
20 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER

Arms

  • Experimental: Computer-Based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    Participants will complete a 7-module digital treatment intervention for substance use, using cognitive behavioural therapy practices.
  • Experimental: Breaking Free Online
    Participants will complete a 6-module digital treatment intervention for substance use, using cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques.

Primary Outcome Measure

Feasibility of Digital Treatment Interventions [ Time Frame: End of enrollment (~6 months) ]

Central Contacts

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