A multi-centre, phase 3, randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Recovery Check-In aftercare intervention for people completing community treatment for alcohol and drug dependence
Moderate-severe alcohol use disorder (AUD), cannabis use disorder (CaUD), cocaine use disorder (CoUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), or other drug* use disorder
Study Design: SUPPORT is a multi-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a structured aftercare intervention for people completing community treatment for alcohol or drug dependence. Hypothesis: The primary hypothesis is that participants receiving the Recovery Check-In (RCI) intervention will have better recovery outcomes than those receiving treatment as usual (TAU) over 12 months. This hypothesis was chosen based on evidence from studies conducted in the United States showing that structured aftercare support can improve outcomes following substance use treatment, but where robust UK evidence is currently lacking. Setting: The study will be conducted in NHS and third-sector community substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services across England. Participants: The study aims to recruit approximately 1,938 participants across around 20 treatment services in England. Adults who are completing an episode of community treatment for moderate to severe alcohol or drug dependence will be eligible to take part. Clinical teams at participating services will identify potentially eligible individuals before discharge from treatment and provide information about the study. People who choose to take part will give written informed consent. There are a few exclusion criteria, meaning the study is open to a wide range of people leaving treatment. This approach was informed by patient and public contributors, who emphasised the importance of keeping eligibility broad and inclusive. Allocation to study groups: Participants will be randomly allocated, with an equal chance, to one of two groups: Recovery Check-In (RCI) Treatment as usual (TAU) Randomisation will be carried out centrally, and allocation will not be known to researchers at the time of baseline assessment. Randomisation will be stratified by site and by primary substance use disorder category (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, or other) to maintain balance across key p
1. Age > = 18 years 2. Moderate-severe alcohol use disorder (AUD), cannabis use disorder (CaUD), cocaine use disorder (CoUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), or other drug* use disorder at admission to current treatment episode 3. Able to be contacted by telephone for follow-up during the study period 4. Completion of treatment episode care plan and wish to leave treatment *'Other drugs' refers to psychoactive substances not included in the four primary study groups (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, opioids). This may include substances such as benzodiazepines, ketamine, and other prescription or non-prescription psychoactive drugs used non-medically.
Current exclusion criteria as of 06/07/2026: 1. Current suicide plan or attempt in past 6 months 2. Current criminal justice involvement with legal proceedings (not including current probationary supervision) likely to prevent ability to engage with follow-up 3. Currently enrolled in another interventional research study 4. Previous participation in the SUPPORT trial Previous exclusion criteria: 1. Current suicide plan or attempt in the past 6 months 2. Current risk of a custodial sentence likely to prevent study completion 3. Currently enrolled in another interventional research study 4. Previous participation in the SUPPORT trial