Neurocognitive Empowerment for Addiction Treatment (NEAT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Neurocognitive deficits (NCDs) and associated meta-cognition difficulties with chronic substance use often delay the learning change process necessary for addiction recovery relapse prevention. However, very few cognitive remediation programs have been developed to target NCDs users. The study described herein aims investigate efficacy of a multi-component neurocognitive rehabilitation awareness program termed “Neurocognitive Empowerment Addiction Treatment” (NEAT). NEAT is fully manualized, cartoon-based intervention involving psychoeducation, practice, compensatory strategies relevant across 10 major domains, including aspects attention, memory, executive functions, decision-making. Method/design In single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT), 80 female opioid and/or methamphetamine users will be recruited from an providing alternative incarceration women use-related offenses. Eight groups 9–12 participants into or treatment-as-usual (TAU). involves 14 90-min sessions, delivered twice weekly. primary outcome in self-reported drug craving before after using Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale. Secondary exploratory outcomes include additional psychological, neurocognitive, structural functional neuroimaging measures. Clinical measures performed at five time points (pre- post-intervention, 3-, 6-, 12-month follow-up); completed pre- post-intervention. Discussion present RCT first examine adjunctive addiction. Results this provide initial information concerning potential clinical treatment, as well delineate neural mechanisms potentially targeted by novel intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03922646 . Registered on 22 April 2019