Enrolling studies
KARE is a pilot trial investigating if intramuscular (IM) ketamine in combination with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) can treat moderate-to-severe methamphetamine use disorder (MeUD) in publicly insured patients with or at-risk for HIV disease. The single-arm pilot feasibility trial consists of a 5-week KAP treatment intervention and 2 follow-up assessment visits at 4 and 12 weeks. Participants will receive 3 doses of ketamine in combination with 7 sessions of manualized psychotherapy. They will also be asked to complete self-report questionnaires, answer interview questions, engage in physical examinations, and provide samples for testing.
For more information, call (628) 217-6319, email kare.study@sfdph.org, or visit www.karesf.org.
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Naltrexone for Overdose Prevention – A randomized controlled trial of naltrexone as an overdose prevention strategy for people who use stimulants and are at risk or living with HIV. Participants will be randomized to receive monthly injections of long-acting injectable naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) or usual care over six months of follow-up.
For more information, call (628) 217-6319, email nod.study@sfdph.org, or visit sfnod.org.
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SNAP
Enrolling (2023-2027)
50 participants
SNAP is an observational study exploring the role of methamphetamine use in self-treatment of chronic neuropathic pain among people living with HIV. Participants will complete qualitative interviews and ecological momentary assessment (text messages) reporting on their methamphetamine use and pain. If you are eligible, you can earn up to $342.
For more information, call (628) 217-6319,
BEATS
Enrolling (2024)
100 participants
BEATS is an observational study that will assess key factors that lead to episodes of heavy alcohol-consumption via text-based surveys and SMART wristband technology, with enrollment capped at 100 sexually active adults who drink alcohol (five or more drinks on one occasion for men, and four or more drinks for women). After being pre-screened, participants will enroll and complete weekly remote visits for 30 days, wearing the BACtrack wristband from Enrollment through Month 1. Our team will also evaluate heavy drinking and associated sexual behaviors using surveys and questionnaires.
If you are eligible, you can earn up to $190 for completing all study activities and procedures.For more information, call (628) 217-6333 or email beats.study@sfdph.org.
Nightlife
Enrolling (2024-2025)
800 participants
The Nightlife study is a one-time online behavioral survey examining party drug use among Men who have Sex with Other Men (MSM) in the San Francisco Bay Area. This study will recruit 400 MSM who use alcohol/substances to complete this web-based survey on substance use and sexual behavior. Potential participants will first fill out an eligibility questionnaire, and then be directed to the actual survey if they fulfill the criteria and are interested in participating. The survey will take between 30-45 minutes to complete.
ASTERISK aims to understand barriers to treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and treatment preferences. Participants will complete a survey that will explore these choices. This survey, called a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE), presents hypothetical treatment options with different costs, types, and lengths.
The study is enrolling 250 adults, age 18 or older, who live in the SF Bay Area and drink alcohol. Participants who complete the survey will receive $50.
If you are interested, please visit our website and fill out the interest form: https://wasup.ucsf.edu/asterisk
Email: beats.study@sfdph.org
Phone: 628.217.6333
CURB-2 is a Phase II clinical trial examining if the combination of extended-release naltrexone and extended-release buprenorphine can help treat cocaine use disorder. Researchers believe the medication may produce an effect in the brain to reduce cocaine withdrawal symptoms. If you are eligible, you can earn up to $1603 for completing all study activities and procedures.
For more information, call (628) 217-6314, email curb.2@sfdph.org, or visit www.curb2.org.
The PRIME Study is a two-arm trial evaluating a strategy to support adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among 140 people assigned male at birth and use methamphetamine. All participants will receive PrEP and counseling during the study. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive video directly observed therapy (using a mobile app to submit videos taking their PrEP) with financial incentives, or counseling alone. The study will follow participants for 6 months, and participants will be seen for visits every 6 weeks for counseling, surveys, laboratory testing, dried blood spot collection, and PrEP dispensing.
If eligible, you would receive between $580-$1199 depending on which study arm you are assigned to.
For more information, call (628) 217-6319, email prime.study@sfdph.org, or visit www.sfprime.org
Upcoming studies
CHAMPION is a fully remote study for men who have sex with men (MSM) looking to track PrEP use while reducing meth use through online therapy. Available in San Francisco and San Diego, participation lasts about six months with monthly check-ins. The study provides digital support tools, including virtual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and learning resources.
Eligible participants can earn up to $230. If you're interested, please visit our website and fill out the interest form: https://championstudy.org/
Email: champion.study@sfdph.org
Phone: 628-217-6333
Non-enrolling studies
M3.0
Fully Enrolled (2021-2023)
24 participants
M 3.0 is a Phase I drug-drug interaction clinical trial of mirtazapine for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Eligible participants will complete a 14-day hospital stay consisting of assessments and laboratory testing as well as a 2-week follow-up appointment after discharge M 3.0 includes 2 randomized, double-blind, within-subject crossover studies of 12 persons each (12 no opioid use, 12 methadone maintenance treatment) among non-treatment seeking persons with MUD in San Francisco (UCSF) and Los Angeles (UCLA) in California.
For more information, call (628) 217-6319, email m3.0@sfdph.org, or visit www.m3study.org
LASSO
Fully Enrolled (2022-2024)
260 participants
The LASSO study aims to better understand the factors that lead to death from acute stimulant toxicity. In this study, we will first interview 200 people who knew someone well who had a fatal overdose that involved stimulants (methamphetamine or cocaine, with and without fentanyl). Participants will take part in a one-time interview where they will answer questions about the decedent's life events, personality, health history, substance use, and more. Then, we will interview up to 60 people who currently use stimulants about the same topics. We hope this study will contribute to the eventual design of interventions to reduce stimulant overdose mortality.
The HiNT study will look at the effectiveness in taking oral naltrexone on an as-needed basis to reduce methamphetamine use. Participants will be randomized 2:1 (product/placebo). This study will also be testing a text-messaging strategy to help decide when to take the study medication. This is called an Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI).
For more information, call (628) 217-6319, email hint.study@sfdph.org, or visit www.hintstudy.org
The Harness Study is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an herbal supplement called kudzu to reduce alcohol use among individuals who drink alcohol. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of kudzu extract (2 grams) or placebo, to be taken on an as-needed basis with follow-up visits at 1- and 3-months. Participants are seen weekly to complete study activities including receiving the study medication and counseling.
The REBOOT 2.0 Study is a randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a counseling intervention called Informational-Motivational-Behavioral-(IMB) based counseling to reduce opioid overdose risk among individuals who use opioids. Participants will be randomized to receive 30-45-minutes of overdose prevention IMB counseling or placebo. The study takes place in San Francisco, California, and Boston, Massachusetts. Participants are seen every 4 months for 16 months to complete study activities.
FAQs about studies
Q: Do you have any studies I can join?
Yes! Scroll up to see our list of enrolling studies at the top of this page or email csuh.studies@sfdph.org to learn more.
Q: Can I enroll in more than one study at once?
Generally, we encourage people to participate in one study at the time, especially for studies that are researching interventions. For studies that do not involve interventions, it may be possible to participate in more than one study. Ask the study staff for more information. If you're participating in a study with a different organization and want to join one of our studies, our study staff can also discuss whether you are able to enroll in our study in more detail by phone.
Q: Where do study activities take place?
All study activities take place at our office in San Francisco, CA, located on the 5th floor at 25 Van Ness (at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Market Street).
Q: What are the risk and benefits of participating in a study?
There are different potential risks and benefits of participating in each study. You will learn about this during the screening process as you decide if the study is a good fit for you. In general, there is no guaranteed individual benefit to participating in research, as the interventions are still being tested. Your participation will hopefully lead to public health improvements that will benefit the larger community.
Q: Will my privacy be protected?
Yes, we do our best to make sure your information is kept private. Personal information is stored in locking cabinets and secured databases. Upon enrolling in a study, you will receive a study ID which is what we will use on all study documentation instead of your name. The only individuals who may access your identifying information are study staff and monitoring agencies in the event of an audit. No data will be included in your medical record, nor disclosed to your provider or anyone outside the study team without your explicit consent, even in the case of a court-ordered subpoena.
Q: Do I have to stop using substances to participate?
No, abstinence is not required for any of our studies. We follow the principles of harm reduction that aim to reduce the negative consequences associated with substance use while respecting the dignity and rights of those who use them.