NCT07342218

Correctional Service of Canada Pilot Trial of Digital Substance Use Disorder Interventions (PROCESS)

Pilot Trial of Digital Substance Use Disorder Interventions to Prevent Post-release Substance Use Disorder Relapse in Offenders in Correctional Service of Canada Custody

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Problems with substance use are common in prisoners. Since most substances are still illegal in Canada, substance use problems can increase the risk for re-incarceration. Although research suggests that treatment may reduce these risks, they are still rarely used in correctional settings. This pilot study will examine the feasibility and usefulness of two digital treatments for substance use problems in individuals recently released from prison. The investigators will compare engagement across both treatments over a 6-month period, and assess the rates of substance use relapse and re-incarceration.

Conditions

• Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Breaking Free Online (BFO)	BFO is a digital intervention for substance use problems and commonly co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Its structure is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. It is self-directed by the individual and can be done on a smartphone, tablet, or online. BFO provides techniques for cognitive restructuring (i.e., reshaping how we view certain situations) and managing and planning for high-risk situations (e.g., minimizing relapse in the face of certain triggers).
OTHER	Computer-Based Training for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT4CBT)	CBT4CBT is a digital intervention used for substance use problems through the application of CBT techniques. The program involves various video modules, educational games, quizzes, interactive videos, and more. The modules are self-paced and can be done online. Modules will focus on teaching users core skills to avoid substance use and ways of effectively communicating. It discusses various situations where potential triggers could arise, and homework done afterwards allows the user to identify their own personal triggers and individualize how they can minimize these risks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-25
• Primary completion: 2026-07-01
• Completion: 2027-03-01
• First posted: 2026-01-15
• Last updated: 2026-03-13

Locations

4 sites across 1 country: Canada