Correctional Service of Canada Pilot Trial of Digital Substance Use Disorder Interventions (PROCESS)
PROCESS
Pilot Trial of Digital Substance Use Disorder Interventions to Prevent Post-release Substance Use Disorder Relapse in Offenders in Correctional Service of Canada Custody
2 other identifiers
interventional
20
1 country
4
Brief Summary
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.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at below P25 for not_applicable
Started Feb 2026
4 active sites
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
December 8, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
January 15, 2026
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
February 25, 2026
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
July 1, 2026
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
March 1, 2027
March 13, 2026
November 1, 2025
4 months
December 8, 2025
March 12, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (6)
Feasibility of Digital Treatment Interventions
Number of enrolled pilot trial participants, overall and by intervention.
End of enrollment (~6 months)
Overall Substance Use Treatment Engagement
The number and percentage of modules, and homework modules, completed.
End of enrollment (~6 months)
Perceived Treatment Utility
Mean module and overall treatment rating using a 4-question "Module Utility" scale created by the research team. This is an 11-point Likert scale (0-10) rating the importance, relevance, usefulness, and likeliness to recommend treatment, with higher scores indicating better utility.
End of enrollment (~6 months)
Efficacy of Treatment Module Content
Treatment modules include quizzes with several true or false questions (5-10 questions per module) that assess individuals' understanding of the content learned. Overall performance on intervention quizzes in treatment modules will be examined using the total number of questions answered correctly, with higher scores indicating a better understanding of the treatment modules.
End of enrollment (~6 months)
Efficacy of Digital Treatment Interventions for Substance Use
Substance use relapse documented by the CSC staff.
Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
Efficacy of Digital Treatment Interventions for Recidivism
Institutional readmission documented by the CSC staff.
Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
Secondary Outcomes (3)
Between-Intervention Feasibility Outcomes
End of enrollment (~6 months)
Between-Intervention Efficacy Outcomes for Substance Use
Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
Between-Intervention Efficacy Outcomes for Recidivism
Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
Study Arms (2)
Computer-Based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
EXPERIMENTALParticipants will complete a 7-module digital treatment intervention for substance use, using cognitive behavioural therapy practices.
Breaking Free Online
EXPERIMENTALParticipants will complete a 6-module digital treatment intervention for substance use, using cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques.
Interventions
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).
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.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Individuals who have previously served custodial services in the Correctional Services of Canada (csc).
- Individuals who have a history of substance use problems (i.e., determined by them not being allowed to use substances as part their parole terms)
- Individuals who current reside in a Community Correctional Centre or Community-Based Residential Facility
- Individuals between 18-55 years old
You may not qualify if:
- \- Individuals who have never served a custodial sentence with the CSC
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamiltonlead
- Correctional Service of Canadacollaborator
Study Sites (4)
Salvation Army Booth Centre
Brantford, Ontario, N3T 2J6, Canada
The Salvation Army - Ellen Osler Home
Dundas, Ontario, L9H 2E8, Canada
The St. Leonard's Society Of Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario, L8L 2P2, Canada
St Leonard's Clinton House
Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 2V2, Canada
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
James MacKillop, PhD, CPsych, FCAHS
Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- OTHER
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Director, Peter Boris Centre for Addiction Research; Director, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
December 8, 2025
First Posted
January 15, 2026
Study Start
February 25, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
July 1, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
March 1, 2027
Last Updated
March 13, 2026
Record last verified: 2025-11
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share
Data from criminal justice-involved participants is considered sensitive and the Correctional Services of Canada prohibits the sharing of individual participant data with other organizations. Therefore, we will not be sharing IPD. Only aggregate and anonymized data in written research reports will be publicly shared.