Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Substance Use Disorder: The Impact of Peer Support
1 other identifier
interventional
198
1 country
1
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of Breaking Free Online, in a comparison of outpatients seeking treatment for substance use disorder who receive standard care with group peer support, versus with access to Breaking Free Online, versus with access to Breaking Free Online and individual peer support.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P75+ for not_applicable
Started Oct 2021
Longer than P75 for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
October 14, 2021
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
October 25, 2021
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
November 19, 2021
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 19, 2025
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
December 19, 2025
CompletedMarch 27, 2026
March 1, 2026
4.2 years
October 14, 2021
March 26, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Timeline Follow-Back
Frequency (days) of substance use over the past 30 days
30 days
Secondary Outcomes (15)
Qualitative Interview
10 months
Program and Client Costs- Substance Abuse Treatment (PACC-SAT)
7 days
Severity of Dependence Scale
1 month
Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test
1 month
Drug Use Disorders Identification Test
1 month
- +10 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (3)
Online Cogntivie Behavioural Therapy
EXPERIMENTALBreaking Free Online (BFO) is an online intervention, supporting adults struggling with substance use. It provides psychoeducation and skills building exercises in CBT and compatible approaches. The intervention strategies contained within BFO are provided via a six-domain biopsychosocial model used in CBT. Each domain of the model corresponds to a module in the BFO program which contains psychoeducation and an 'action' strategy to facilitate behaviour change. Data captured at the baseline assessment is used by the program to provide feedback to the individual on their levels of functioning across the six domains. The program then guides the user to concentrate on intervention strategies for domains with the greatest level of impairment. All groups will receive 'clinical monitoring,' including biweekly study assessments during the acute treatment period and monthly assessments during the six month follow-up period.
Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Plus Individual Peer Support
EXPERIMENTALBFO delivered with peer support will comprise BFO with at least weekly contact with a peer with lived experience. Peer support workers will receive training on how to facilitate participant engagement with and progress through the BFO program, as well as a weekly session plan. As part of this training, peer support workers will be given their own access code to use BFO and be encouraged to use the program. Session One constitutes an initial orienting to the program. Subsequent sessions review each information and action strategy in the BFO program, with a series of prompts to guide peer support of this content. All groups will receive 'clinical monitoring,' including biweekly study assessments during the acute treatment period and monthly assessments during the six month follow-up period.
Group Peer Support
ACTIVE COMPARATORThe control condition will consist of group peer support facilitated by trained peers and offered through the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA). The group meets weekly and will offer participants a space to share their experiences and receive support. All groups will receive 'clinical monitoring,' including biweekly study assessments during the acute treatment period and monthly assessments during the six month follow-up period.
Interventions
Interactive program utilizing cognitive behavioural therapy principles that guides users through its components and provides feedback, which facilitates behavior change (i.e., reduction in alcohol or substance use).
Weekly meetings with a trained peer support worker who guides participants through the BFO platform, reviews the platform's content with them, and supports them in the creation of an action strategy based on the platform's suggestions.
Meetings with a group of peers led by a trained peer support worker/volunteer which will offer the participants an opportunity to discuss their experiences in a supportive and open environment.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- years of age and above
- Fluency in English
- Understanding and willingness to comply with study requirements \& provide informed consent
- Current substance use disorder
- Have used alcohol or substances within the past 30 days
- Registration with CAMH Addictions Program outpatient services
You may not qualify if:
- Current psychosis or mania
- Current psychiatric disorder requiring care more urgently than substance use, including acute intoxication or withdrawal requiring medical attention
- Significant neurological disorder or physical illness likely to interfere with participants
- Any known practical factors that would preclude participation (e.g., extended absences)
- Inability to read at a sixth grade level
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute
Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H1, Canada
Related Publications (1)
Quilty LC, Wardell JD, Garner G, Elison-Davies S, Davies G, Klekovkina E, Corman M, Alfonsi J, Crawford A, de Oliveira C, Weekes J. Peer support and online cognitive behavioural therapy for substance use concerns: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2022 Dec 12;12(12):e064360. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064360.
PMID: 36523236DERIVED
Related Links
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Lena C. Quilty, PhD
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Senior Scientist
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
October 14, 2021
First Posted
November 19, 2021
Study Start
October 25, 2021
Primary Completion
December 19, 2025
Study Completion
December 19, 2025
Last Updated
March 27, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-03
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share