The ACTION study is being done to explore whether adding new treatments—like buprenorphine or a combination of CBT and rTMS—can help reduce pain and improve quality of life for people already taking opioids for chronic pain. The goal is to offer better, safer long-term pain management options.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Speak English
• Able to undergo TMS scan (No magnetic implants or conditions or treatment that lower the seizure threshold)
• Have been taking daily prescription opioid therapy for 3+ months
• Able to spend 3 days and 3 nights in the sleep lab

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not receiving methadone or buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder or pain
• Not taking naltrexone
• No known seizure disorder
• No known allergy to buprenorphine
• No signs of opioid misuse
• No current major medical problem (e.g., moderate to severe liver disease, pancreatitis, chronic pulmonary disease, untreated sleep apnea, or hospitalization for an acute medical issue within the past 6 months)
• No substance use disorder other than nicotine
• Not pregnant
• No significant cardiac condition (e.g., poorly controlled heart failure, current or past cardiac arrhythmia, sustained systolic blood pressure >180)
• No significant metabolic disorder (e.g., labile diabetes, significant electrolyte abnormality)
• No neurological disease (e.g., movement disorder, multiple sclerosis, moderate to severe brain injury)

If you join the study, you’ll take part in both in-person and remote visits over several weeks. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

• Screening: Quick phone interview to see if you qualify.

• Baseline Visit: In-person health check and initial assessments.

• Daily Surveys: For 5 weeks, you’ll receive short daily texts or emails about your pain and mood.

• In-Person Visits (Approx. 9 Total):

  • 3 overnight stays (3 days/3 nights) in the sleep lab for health monitoring

  • 3 sessions of CBT + TMS if you choose to participate in Phase II

• Remote Visits (Approx. 10 Total):

  • 5 phone or video interviews

  • 5 brief check-ins with study staff

• Follow-Up Visits: One-month, three-month, and six-month check-ins (remote or in-person)

• Health Benefits: You’ll receive lab results, EKG, sleep data, and medical consultations throughout the study.

Participants can receive up to $1,460 for full participation. Here’s the breakdown:

• Baseline Visit: $60

• Daily Surveys (Ecological Momentary Assessments): Up to $875

• Qualitative Interviews (5 total): $25 each (up to $125)

• Phase I & II Visits: $50 per visit

• Follow-Ups: $50–$100 depending on visit
  You’ll also gain valuable health insights through lab work and medical feedback—all at no cost to you.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.