Medication-Assisted Treatment in Clinical Trials: What to Expect

Medications for substance use disorders, like methadone for opioids or naltrexone for alcohol, can be an effective way to stave off cravings. During a clinical trial, researchers will track not just which medications are used but how they’re used and in what combination to get a better idea of what’s most effective for patients.Here, we’ll look at how medication-assisted treatment (often called MAT, MOUD, or MAUD) works inside a clinical trial.

4 min read

Vacuum Erection Devices and Other Non-Pill Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Medications that treat erectile dysfunction (ED) are not the best option if you have medical reasons, such as a heart condition, to avoid them, or if they simply do not work for you. What can you do about ED if you don't want to take pills?Non-pill treatments like vacuum erection devices and other external options may help.This overview explains how vacuum erection devices work and what other non-pill options exist, so you can decide if they may help.

4 min read

Substance Abuse Clinical Trials: How They Work, Who Qualifies, and How to Find One

Substance abuse, more appropriately referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic condition that causes physical ailments and devastating mental health concerns. It is one of the most complex conditions because it often involves co-occurring disorders, the physical dependency of substance abuse, and the underlying mental health concerns, such as depression, trauma, and anxiety.

5 min read

Alcohol Use Disorder Clinical Trials: Medications, Counseling, and New Treatments

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is common and can be serious, but there are effective treatment options. Medications, counseling, and mutual-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can all support your recovery. Clinical trials build on these tools and test new ones, giving people more opportunities to find approaches that truly fit their lives.

4 min read

Penile Injection Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: How It Works and What to Expect

Penile injection therapy is a treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED) that delivers medication directly into the erectile tissue of your penis. It may sound intimidating, but the procedure is fairly easy and almost pain-free. Many men find it effective, especially when oral medications have not worked well or cannot be used.This overview explains what injection therapy is, how you can use it, and what to discuss with your doctor.

4 min read

Stimulant Use Disorder Clinical Trials: Contingency Management and New Treatments

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.

4 min read