Stimulant use disorders, such as cocaine or methamphetamine use disorder, can be very difficult to treat. Unlike opioid or alcohol use disorders, there are no medicines formally approved for stimulant use disorder, and behavioral therapies are the go-to solution. Because of this, clinical trials are important for testing new approaches and tools that can improve recovery for those who misuse stimulants.

What Is Stimulant Use Disorder?

Stimulant use disorder is a pattern of using drugs in a way that causes problems. These problems may include strong cravings, health issues like heart problems or sleep and mood disturbances, difficulties at work, school, or home, and legal or financial trouble. It is a medical condition, not a character flaw, and many people benefit from structured treatment and support.

Contingency Management: A Key Evidence-Based Approach

One of the most effective behavioral treatments for stimulant use disorder is contingency management (CM). In CM programs, you earn rewards for meeting clear goals. Rewards can include small financial incentives or vouchers. Examples of goals include:

• Providing stimulant-negative urine tests
• Attending counseling sessions
• Taking steps toward education, employment, or recovery

Rewards are structured and time-limited, helping you stay on track.

What’s interesting is that research shows CM can increase abstinence from stimulants, improve attendance at treatment sessions, and enhance results when combined with other therapies.

Many trials test how to implement CM in real-world settings, including through smartphone apps and digital platforms.

What’s Studied in a Stimulant Use Trial?

Trials often focus on new behavioral programs, such as combining CM with counseling, peer support, or family-based approaches that keep participants sober. Other research looks at digital CM programs that use apps to track goals and provide rewards.

Some trials test medications originally made for other conditions to see if they reduce stimulant cravings or use. They may test different dosages or timing, too, to see what works best for you.

Trials may also study integrated care models that combine stimulant treatment with care for opioid use disorder or mental health issues at the same time. However, usually, CM programs work best when only one substance is involved, so that may be a requirement of the study.

Some studies focus on specific groups, such as people leaving jail, young adults, or people who use multiple substances. You’ll go over all the requirements when you apply to the trial, and you will be told if you do or do not qualify based on the specific study’s needs.

Why Consider Joining a Stimulant Use Disorder Trial?

You might consider a trial if standard outpatient treatment or self-help approaches have not worked well for you.

You may be interested in CM or digital tools that are not yet widely available in your area. Some people like having this extra structure combined with more regular check-ins during recovery.

Others want to help improve treatments for people with stimulant use disorder and participate to further medical research. Just remember, trials do not guarantee results.

What Participating in a Clinical Trial’s Like

Although each trial is different, most start with a screening visit to review your stimulant use, other substances you may use, your past health history, and current treatments. Baseline assessments may include:

• Questionnaires
• Lab tests
• Heart tests
• Mental health evaluations

During the treatment phase, you may provide urine or saliva samples, attend counseling sessions, work directly with a counselor, or use an app to track goals and receive rewards. Follow-up visits or calls after the study help the research team see how well changes last. In many CM-based trials, participants earn incentives throughout the study for meeting agreed-upon milestones.

Safety and Other Considerations

Trials for stimulant use disorder are designed to be safe, but there are always risks. You may feel stress or disappointment if you have a relapse. Time is needed to attend visits or manage app-based tasks. If a medicine is part of the study, it could cause side effects that have to be managed.

The study team should give you detailed information and check in regularly. Remember: you can leave the trial at any time if it is not working for you.

5 Questions To Ask Before Joining a Study

1. What is the main treatment approach in this study, such as CM, medication, digital tools, or a mix?
2. What kinds of rewards or incentives are used, and how are they earned?
3. What happens if I miss visits or have positive drug