Engaging Loved ones in Recovery Processes to Enhance Recovery Capital and Outcomes (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Engaging Loved ones in Recovery Processes to Enhance Recovery Capital and Outcomes" (RFA-DA-26-024). This NOFO invites research proposals to explore the role of family members, friends, and other support persons in recovery processes for individuals with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Research funded under this opportunity will use the R61/R33 Exploratory/Developmental Phased Award mechanism, supporting projects that build evidence around the impact of support persons in various facets of SUD recovery.

Key objectives of this NOFO include developing and testing interventions to support loved ones and assessing how these relationships influence the recovery process. Specifically, the NOFO focuses on six areas of interest: (1) enhancing well-being and coping skills among support persons, (2) improving support persons’ understanding of SUD treatment and reducing stigma, (3) integrating support persons into existing evidence-based practices, (4) empowering support persons to act as lay interventionists, (5) developing resources for care navigation during transitions, and (6) exploring dyadic approaches for recovery in relationships where one or both individuals have SUDs. Funded research should consider the complexity of interpersonal dynamics, relationship histories, and potential conflicts between support persons and individuals experiencing SUD.

The phased R61/R33 mechanism supports high-risk, high-reward research without requiring preliminary data, though applicants must outline clear milestones to progress from the R61 (initial planning) phase to the R33 (implementation) phase. The R61 phase (up to two years) should focus on feasibility, pilot data collection, stakeholder engagement, and critical preparations like forming partnerships and accessing datasets. If R61 milestones are met, the project may transition to the R33 phase (up to four years), contingent upon NIDA’s administrative review and fund availability. Total funding is capped at $3 million, with individual project budgets recommended not to exceed $275,000 annually for R61 and $500,000 annually for R33 in direct costs.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, local and tribal governments, and for-profit organizations. Applications must include a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) to ensure inclusivity in research design, particularly regarding race, ethnicity, and underrepresented groups, which will be assessed during peer review. Other required documents include a Timeline & Milestone Plan and a Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

Applications are due by February 27, 2025, with letters of intent encouraged by January 27, 2025. Reviews will consider the project’s significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and investigator qualifications, as well as the inclusion of diverse perspectives. Awards will begin as early as December 2025. Prospective applicants are advised to consult with NIDA program staff early in the development process for guidance on project alignment with NOFO objectives.

Further details, including registration requirements and submission guidelines, are available in the NIH application guide.