Chronic Pain Study for Veterans and Active Duty Military

Dr. Eric Garland, Ph.D., LCSW, is leading the study at the University of Utah College of Social Work Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development (C-MIIND), in collaboration with the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. The study is funded by the Department of Defense.

To evaluate behavioral group treatments that can assist veterans and active duty military service members with chronic pain conditions.

Participants who have a chronic pain condition and are taking opioid medication (Lortab, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Tramadol, Suboxone, Methadone, etc.) to manage their pain.

This study is being conducted remotely. The two 8-week treatments we are studying involve learning new tools for coping with pain, stress, emotions, as well as addressing medication-related problems or goals. You will learn techniques like mindfulness and stress management, or receive group support, depending on which group you are in.

This study is being conducted remotely. We will use interviews, questionnaires, and computer-based tests in order to learn more about how these kinds of groups help people to cope with chronic pain-related issues.

You do NOT need to stop or reduce your pain medication to be in this study, though your medication use may change while you are in the study. Those decisions remain between you and your doctor and will not affect your study participation. You will NOT be required to take a new medication as part of this study since this study is testing behavioral group treatments.

If you are tapering off your medication, you may still qualify and might benefit by entering the study at this time.

Your information will be kept private to the extent allowed by law and will NOT be given to your doctors or put in your medical record. Only researchers will have access to the records. This study has a Certificate of Confidentiality, which is the highest level of federal protection for your privacy that any study can offer. If you want to let your doctors know that you are in the study or ask them if it would be a good idea for you to participate, you are free to discuss it with your provider.

You will be compensated $270 to thank you for your time and travel if you complete all study procedures. We will pay you in Amazon or Smith’s/Kroger gift cards at each visit.

Your participation is voluntary. If you refuse to participate there will be no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. 

If you qualify, we will schedule an initial 2-part assessment. You will then be assigned to the next group. If you cannot join at this time, we will contact you in the future. New groups begin every 3 months.