Active studies
Active Studies
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 $935 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 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 PRIME Study is a two-arm trial that is evaluating a strategy to support adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among 140 men who have sex with men and use methamphetamine and inject substances. 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.
​
For more information, call (628) 217-6319, email prime.study@sfdph.org, or visit www.sfprime.org
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
Enrolling (2022-2023)
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.
​
Nightlife
Upcoming
400 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
Upcoming
250 participants
ASTERISK is a cross-sectional study that aims to better understand the barriers to alcohol and substance use disorder (ASUD) treatment among those with ASUD. Outcomes will help our research team examine the impact these experiences have on patient treatment preferences. The first 250 participants with ASUD who meet the inclusion criteria will take a self-administered survey, either online or in person. Separately, in-depth interviews will be conducted with primary care physicians/clinicians and with ASUD participants. These interviews follow a semi-structured format asking participants to describe factors they consider regarding alcohol and substance use treatment.
Enrolling studies
Non-enrolling studies
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.
​
.jpg)
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.
.jpg)
COPING
Fully Enrolled (2018-2022)
300 participants
COPING is a five-year longitudinal cohort study of patients prescribed long-term opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. The study aims to better understand the impact that opioid prescribing changes have on pain, function, retention in medical care, and illicit substance use among patients with chronic pain.
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.