Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Research Study

Researchers at the University of Virginia are conducting a study to investigate whether a combination of medications can help people reduce or stop their methamphetamine use.

Fast Facts

Currently Use Methamphetamine

18-65 Years Old

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Charlottesville, VA

Study Background

Is a combination of medications effective in treating Methamphetamine Use Disorder?

We are testing the effectiveness of two medications together – Naltrexone injections and Bupropion tablets – in individuals who want to reduce or stop their methamphetamine use.

This study is a double-blind placebo trial, which means you may receive the study medication or a placebo (fake medication). Neither you nor the staff will know which one you are getting. Additionally, this study has an intensive time commitment of 18 weeks that requires 29 to 30 in-person visits, along with daily medication dosing videos during this period.

If you are interested and eligible, you could be part of advancing substance use research. We hope that eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for helping people reduce or stop their methamphetamine use.

Study Background

Is a combination of medications effective in treating Methamphetamine Use Disorder?

We are testing the effectiveness of two medications together – Naltrexone injections and Bupropion tablets – in individuals who want to reduce or stop their methamphetamine use.

This study is a double-blind placebo trial, which means you may receive the study medication or a placebo (fake medication). Neither you nor the staff will know which one you are getting. Additionally, this study has an intensive time commitment of 18 weeks that requires 29 to 30 in-person visits, along with daily medication dosing videos during this period.

If you are interested and eligible, you could be part of advancing substance use research. We hope that eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for helping people reduce or stop their methamphetamine use.

Additional Information

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of Naltrexone injections plus Bupropion tablets as a combination of medications in the treatment of Methamphetamine Use Disorder to help individuals reduce or stop their methamphetamine use.

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 18-65 years old
  • Currently using methamphetamine
  • Interested in reducing or stopping methamphetamine use
  • Willing to use a smartphone app to take daily videos of medication dosing
  • Willing to comply with all study procedures and medication instructions

This study has an intensive time commitment and compensation schedule. This an 18-week study that requires 29 to 30 in-person visits. This includes:

  • 2 medical screening visits with 1 potential additional screening visit
  • 2 visits per week during the 12-week treatment phase
  • 1 medication taper visit
  • 2 follow-up visits

This also includes daily medication compliance video sessions during the 12-week treatment phase. Participants will receive naltrexone or placebo injections during weeks 1, 4, 7, and 10.

As a participant, you can receive up to $1,595 for completing all parts of the study.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study. If you cannot provide your own transportation, we can provide transportation to and from visits.