Safe and Sound Protocol for Substance Abuse

This trial examines the effectiveness of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) app when used alongside regular treatment for individuals with substance use issues and past trauma. Participants will use either the active SSP or a sham (placebo) version for three to five hours over seven days. Researchers will monitor changes in mood, anxiety, personality, mindfulness, and trauma symptoms before and after app use. The trial seeks participants currently in residential treatment for substance use disorders with a history of trauma. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could improve treatment options for others in similar situations.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your usual treatment, as the study involves using the SSP app alongside your regular care.

Research has shown that the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is generally easy for people to handle. In earlier studies, some participants experienced mild side effects like headaches, but these were not serious. Most people using SSP felt calmer and more in control of their emotions. Additionally, 84% of participants noticed improvements in their symptoms. This suggests that SSP is safe to use and may help with anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. While this trial will examine its effects on individuals with substance use disorders and trauma more closely, current evidence is promising for its safety.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for substance abuse because it offers a novel approach by using sound and music therapy, which is quite different from standard treatments like medication-assisted therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on pharmaceuticals or talk therapy, SSP focuses on calming the nervous system through specific sound frequencies, potentially reducing cravings and anxiety. This non-invasive approach might offer a more holistic and accessible option for individuals who prefer alternative therapies or are looking to complement existing treatments.

Research has shown that the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. These studies suggest that SSP can improve emotional management, which is crucial for individuals dealing with trauma and substance use disorders (SUD). The protocol involves music-based activities, linked to improved mood and reduced stress. This trial will compare the effects of the Active SSP, which participants will engage with for 3 to 5 hours over seven days, to a Sham SSP, which delivers unfiltered music. This study will be the first to examine SSP specifically in individuals with both SUD and trauma, but early results in other groups are promising. The researchers aim to determine if adding SSP to regular treatment can enhance outcomes for those facing these challenges.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰