The Effect of the Safe and Sound Protocol on Emotional Regulation in Traumatized Adults With Substance Use Disorders
Caron Treatment Centers
Summary
This study will explore whether the use of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) app is an effective adjunct to treatment as usual (TAU) in individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders and trauma. This study will recruit 129 participants (100 completers) randomized to receive either active or sham SSP in addition to TAU. Participants will utilize the SSP for a minimum of three hours to a maximum of five hours for a total of seven days. Data will be collected at both pre- and post-test. Data to be collected will include measures on affect, anxiety, personality, mindfulness, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The SSP has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms in pilot studies conducted at other locations. This will be the first study to examine the effectiveness of SSP with individuals with co-occurring SUD and trauma.
Description
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges based on his Polyvagal Theory that highlights the vagus nerve's influences on emotional and behavioral regulation, social connection, and fear/trauma responses. Research examining the effectiveness of SSP with children and/or adults on the Autism Spectrum has shown improvement in social awareness and decline in auditory hypersensitivities and hypo-sensitivities, visual sensitivity, tactile hypersensitivities, selective eating and digestive problems. SSP has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and auton…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18 years old to 75 years old * In residential treatment for substance use disorder. * Has a history of trauma and is enrolled in Caron's trauma programming * Is proficient in English * Able to provide written informed consent. * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Does not speak English * Age \< 18 or \> 75 * Does not have a history of trauma * Active psychosis * Active or uncontrolled seizures * Tinnitus * Active suicidal ideation * Actively engaging in self-injurious behavio…
Interventions
- DeviceSafe and Sound Protocol
Participants will complete a series of instruments after consenting to participate and have the SSP uploaded onto their mobile device or tablet. Participants will listen to the SSP for 3 to 5 hours over the course of 7 days. On the eighth day, participants will complete a follow-up set of instruments. The active arm will deliver the actual SSP intervention whereas the sham arm will deliver unfiltered music.
Location
- Caron Treatment CentersWernersville, Pennsylvania