The abstract is read at the publisher; the summary is JClub's.
A parallel 3-arm multinational randomized controlled trial will test whether active music groups or music listening groups improve addiction severity at 1 year versus treatment as usual in 600 people with substance use disorders.
- Why it matters: Substance use disorders contribute a large global health burden, and while music therapy can engage patients and reduce craving, its long-term effects and mechanisms remain unclear.
- What they did: The FALCO pragmatic assessor-blinded RCT in 7 countries randomizes participants to active music groups, music listening groups, or treatment as usual, with embedded exploratory trials and mechanistic studies using cognitive testing and brain imaging.
- The result: With 600 participants, the study is powered at 80% for the 1-year primary endpoint, and its findings are intended to guide safer, more effective, and cost-effective music-based delivery across Europe.
The findingWhy it mattersWhat they didThe result
AI summary of the abstract · may contain errors · not medical advice · read the paper.