The United States is facing unprecedented rates of drug overdose deaths, profoundly impacting millions of families who are left to navigate their grief. Those bereaved by overdose experience a unique form of grief characterized by feelings of guilt, shame, and blame, which can worsen their suffering and deter them from seeking help. Individuals coping with overdose loss often endure more severe health consequences compared to those grieving non-drug related deaths, including prolonged grief disorder, substance use disorders, PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, bereaved individuals, particularly those with a history of substance use, may engage in risky behaviors as a means of coping, further exacerbating the risk of overdose and mortality within this vulnerable population. Peer grief support interventions have emerged as a promising approach to assist those experiencing such losses. To combat these outcomes, we are collaborating with Peer Community Support Partners (PSCP) in a novel practice-research partnership to implement the RIVER peer grief support model. Though RIVER has shown success in community settings, it has yet to be rigorously evaluated. In a three-aim approach, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of the RIVER model while also enhancing and engaging grievers with support resources via medical examiner offices (MEOs), which routinely contact families during death investigations. This research represents a pivotal advancement in addressing the needs of the overlooked bereaved community, aligning with the NIH's Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative to develop effective strategies against the opioid crisis. Together, community engagement and rigorous research efforts aim to enhance support for those affected by the tragedy of drug overdose.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
340
RIVER is a peer grief support process intervention developed by Peer Support Community Partners.
The enhanced care as usual condition involves a psychoeducational booklet developed by What's Your Grief, as well as a list of local grief resources.
Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner's Office
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
RECRUITINGSan Diego County Medical Examiner Office
San Diego, California, United States
RECRUITINGConnecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Farmington, Connecticut, United States
RECRUITINGPeer Support Community Partners
Watertown, Massachusetts, United States
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITINGParticipant Grief Symptoms
Brief Grief Questionnaire; evaluates the presence of prolonged grief
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Avoidance of Grief Reminders
Grief-Related Avoidance Questionnaire (GRAQ); evaluating the presence and extent of avoidance behaviors due to feelings of grief
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Bereavement Coping Strategies
Coping Assessment for Bereavement (CABLE); evaluating what coping strategies are being utilized and at what frequency
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Acceptance of the Loss
Typical Beliefs Questionnaire (TBQ); evaluating the presence of maladaptive cognitions related to complicated grief
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Perceived Connectedness
Continuing Bonds Scale; assessing the extent to which the participant feels bonded to the descendent
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Substance Use
Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medications, and Other Substances Tool (TAPS); assessing the presence and frequency of past 30-day substance use
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Depression Severity
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); evaluating the presence and severity of depressive symptoms
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5); evaluating the severity of symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
Participant Physical Pain Severity
PEG; evaluating the intensity and interference of physical pain on daily life and well-being
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month follow up, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.