Member Projects
CoARS was created in 2020, when five independent, competitively selected NIDA-funded network-building projects reached out to each other after funding to support one another in our collective mission to advance the science on recovery support services (RSS).
CoARS grew with support from NIDA, with an administrative supplement (PI: Hogue) to help us build our network through specific activities, and by connecting new research teams with CoARS via new RFAs.
Building forward, CoARS now invites funded research teams to apply for CoARS membership (see our “Grant Development & Sustainability” workgroup for more information). Principal investigator of member projects serve on the CoARS Steering Committee and participate in CoARS workgroups. These member projects provide resources to CoARS (e.g., seminars, toolkits, opportunities for mentoring, etc).
Importantly, individuals not associated with member projects also participate in CoARS.
Original Projects
“Building a Lasting Foundation to Advance Actionable Research on Recovery Support Services for High Risk Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: The Initiative for Justice and Emerging Adult Populations” (PIs: Ashli Sheidow & Mike McCart); 6/15/2020-4/30/2026
“Advancing the science on recovery community centers to support persons treated with medications for opioid use disorder” (PI: Bettina Hoeppner; M-PI with John Kelly until 2024); 7/15/2020-4/30/2026
“Studies to Advance Recovery Supports (STARS) in Central Appalachia” (PIs: Robert Pack & Kimberly Horn); 7/15/2020-4/30/2025
“Innovations in Recovery through Infrastructure Support (IRIS)” (PIs: Jay Unick & Michelle Tuten)
“Family-based Recovery Support Service Network for Youth OUD” (PI: Aaron Hogue); 9/30/2020-8/31/2026
funded by RFA-DA-20-014:
2nd Wave Projects
Via RFA-DA-22-034 - pilot and preliminary research to prepare for rigorous clinical efficacy or effectiveness trials of recovery support services
“Peer Recovery Support Services for individuals in Recovery Residences on MOUD” (PIs: Marc Fishman & Kevin Wenzel); 9/30/2022-9/29/2025
“Development of an integrated intervention involving recovery coaching and cognitive behavioral therapy for opioid use disorder” (PIs: Alain Litwin, Moonseong Heo & Irene Pericot-Valverde); 9/30/2022-9/29/2025
“Planning grant for a multi-site trial to examine the effectiveness of recovery community centers serving at-risk communities to support persons using medications for opioid use disorder” (PI: Bettina Hoeppner; M-PI with John Kelly until 2024)
Via RFA-DA-22-043 - infrastructure support to advance the development of efficacy and/or effectiveness research on recovery support services for those who take or have taken medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (MOUDs)
“Enhancing Effectiveness Research on Recovery Housing for Persons Prescribed Medication for Opioid Use Disorder” (PIs: Amy Mericle & Carmen Masson); 9/30/2022-9/29/2025
“Collaborative Hub for Emerging Adult Recovery Research (CHEARR)” (PI: Kristyn Zajac); 9/30/2022-9/29/2025
“Peer Recovery Innovation Network (PRIN)” (PIs: Jennifer Potter & Robert Ashford); 9/30/2022-9/29/2025
funded by RFA-DA-22-034 and RFA-DA-22-043
3rd Wave Projects
“Community-Engaged Research Resource Center (CERRC): An A.C.T.I.O.N. Framework (Assess, Collaborate, Technical assistance, Implement, Optimize, Nurture)” (U24DA064498; PI: Ashli Sheidow); 9/1/2025-5/31/2030
“Expanding recovery housing for Texans recovering from opioid use disorder” (PIs: J. Michael Wilkerson, Serena A. Rodriguez, & Kathryn R. Gallardo)
“Optimizing a Digital Support Service for Concerned Significant Others of Individuals with SUD with Helpline, AI-Enhanced and Peer-Led Support” (R61DA064828; PIs: Frederick Muench, Sarah Dauber); 3/15/2026-2/29/2028
"Support Towards Addiction Recovery for Individuals with Criminal Legal System Involvement: The STAR Project" (R61DA064790; PIs: Martha Tillson, Carrie Oser, & Michele Staton); 3/1/2026-2/28/2027