Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Eric Garland, PhD, LCSW is leading the study at the University of Utah College of Social Work, Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development (C-MIIND). The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

To evaluate behavioral group treatments that can assist people 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.

University Health Care clinics around the Salt Lake Valley. You do NOT have to be a University Health Care patient to qualify. The two 8-week treatments we are studying involve learning new ways of 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.

University of Utah College of Social Work, Goodwill Bldg, 395 South 1500 East in SLC. We will use interviews, questionnaires, computer-based tests, and physical measurements such as heart rate, brain wave activity, and breathing rate 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 allow 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 $320 to thank you for your time and travel if you complete all study procedures. We will pay you in Smith’s gift cards at each visit. You can use the gift cards to purchase gas, groceries, or household items.

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.