Equine-assisted TherapyEQUI-ADDICTNCT07495839
The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on Mental Health and Addictive Behaviors in Patients Receiving Addiction Treatment
A study testing Equine mediation in people with Equine-assisted Therapy and Addiction, run by Hopital La Musse.
Trial summary
Addiction is a major public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 400 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol- or drug-related disorders, resulting in nearly 3.2 million deaths per year. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Equine-assisted Therapy, Addiction, Recidivism
- What is being tested?
- Equine mediation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 22 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 12 Nov 2026to 31 Aug 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adult patients over the age of 18,
- Patients who have completed detoxification and have been hospitalized at least once in the nutrition and alcoholism unit at La Musse Hospital or at another facility,
- Patients with an addiction to a psychoactive substance (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, cannabis),
- Able to participate in animal-assisted therapy sessions,
- Ability to understand instructions during sessions,
- Enrolled in the social security system.
Who cannot join
- Patients with a behavioral addiction not involving substances (e.g., gambling, sexual addiction),
- Patients who have not yet completed detoxification,
- Patients under legal guardianship,
- Patients currently undergoing other animal-assisted therapy,
- Allergies to horses,
- Other serious medical conditions that may interfere with participation in the sessions.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Addiction is a major public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 400 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol- or drug-related disorders, resulting in nearly 3.2 million deaths per year. In France, the situation is also cause for concern: approximately three million people engage in risky alcohol consumption, thirteen million smoke daily, and nearly one and a half million use illicit drugs, primarily cannabis.
Addiction, defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder, is characterized by the compulsive pursuit and use of a substance despite knowledge of its harmful effects. Its development depends on multiple factors: personal (trauma, psychiatric disorders, genetic predispositions), environmental (stress, isolation, family context), and those related to the substance itself (addictive potential). The diagnosis of substance use disorders is based on 11 criteria defined in the *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders* (DSM-5), the main ones being: loss of self-control, interference of substance use with academic or occupational activities, continued use despite awareness of the problems it causes, and a new central criterion, craving, defined as an irresistible urge to use, which serves as both a symptom and a diagnostic and prognostic marker because it is a predictor of relapse. The cumulative total of criteria allows the disorder to be classified as mild (2-3), moderate (4-5), or severe (≤ 6). Since the 2020 health crisis, researchers have observed an increase in the use of psychoactive substances, particularly among vulnerable populations. Despite public policy efforts and treatment programs, relapses remain common after treatment, affecting 60 to 70% of patients within six months of their hospitalization. This phenomenon is also observed at La Musse Hospital, where many patients admitted to the nutrition and alcoholism unit express a sense of emptiness upon returning home: a void in relationships, therapy, and daily activities. This feeling often contributes to a return to substance use.
Read more
To address these relapses, this study aims to evaluate the impact of a post-hospitalization equine-assisted therapy program on the mental health and addictive behaviors of patients receiving addiction treatment. Already used at La Musse Hospital as part of the care pathway, equine-assisted therapy is based on the interaction between the patient and the horse in a therapeutic setting. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of this approach on emotional regulation, self-confidence, stress management, and overall well-being.
This prospective, single-center, interventional study will include twenty-two patients who have been hospitalized at least once in the nutrition and alcoholism unit at La Musse Hospital or another facility. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a group receiving post-hospitalization equine-assisted therapy or a control group.
- Being tested
- Equine mediation
- Keywords
- Equine mediation, Addiction, Recidivism, Addictive behavior, Mental health
- Medical subject headings
- Behavior, Addictive, Recidivism, Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Equine mediationOther
Patients in the experimental group will receive 22 sessions of equine-assisted therapy over a 24-week period (Figure 2). The objective of this protocol is to provide a phased transition toward a gradual return to their daily lives. To this end, two equine-assisted therapy sessions per week will be conducted for 1 month (8 sessions), followed by one session per week for 2 months (8 sessions), and finally one session every two weeks for 3 months (6 sessions). Each session will last 1 hour and 30 minutes, with groups of 4 patients, led by 2 professionals from the equine therapy center at La Musse Hospital.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental group | Experimental | Patients in the experimental group will receive 22 sessions of equine-assisted therapy over a 24-week period Receives: Other: Equine mediation |
| Control Group | No intervention | Patients in the control group will not receive equine-assisted therapy sessions but will only undergo various follow-up assessments |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The score on the Craving Experience Questionnaire
The score on the Craving Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-F). This questionnaire retrospectively assesses the intensity and frequency of cravings over a specific time period. The CEQ allows for the assessment of cravings for a variety of substances, including alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or food. The CEQ exhibits excellent psychometric properties (May et al., 2014). This questionnaire enables the calculation of a craving intensity score for a specific substance or food based on the 11 intensity items. Each item is rated on a scale from 0 ("Not at all") to 10 ("Extremely"). Summing these 11 scores yields a total craving intensity score ranging from 0 to 110. The higher the score, the more intense the participant's craving is considered to be.
Additionally, the craving frequency score obtained by the CEQ can be calculated by adding the values obtained for the 11 items corresponding to frequency. Each item in this section is rated on a
Measured: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
Secondary outcomes (7)
The total score on the Beck Depression Inventory
The Beck Depression Inventory is one of the most widely used screening tools for measuring the severity of depression in adults and adolescents over the age of 13. It consists of 21 items related to depressive symptoms (e.g., hopelessness and irritability), cognitions (e.g., guilt or feelings of being punished), and physical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, weight loss, and loss of interest in sex). Each item is rated on a severity scale ranging from 0 to 3, with a total score ranging from 0 to 63. The higher the score, the more severe the depression.
Measured: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
The total score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory
As with depression, the Beck Anxiety Inventory consists of 21 items corresponding to anxiety symptoms identified in large clinical samples (e.g., panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder). Each item is rated on a severity scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 3 (very much), with a total score ranging from 0 to 63. The higher the score, the more severe the anxiety.
Measured: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
The number of relapses
The number of relapses recorded in the logbook, which the patient fills out themselves throughout the study (weekly), thereby assessing their addictive behaviors
Measured: Each week, up to 37 weeks
The number, intensity, and duration of self-reported cravings
The number, intensity, and duration of self-reported cravings, recorded in the logbook completed by the patient throughout the study
Measured: Each week, up to 37 weeks
Scores on the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire
With 26 items, the WHOQOL-BREF is a shortened version of the WHOQOL-100, an instrument designed to measure subjective quality of life. This is defined as an individual's perception of their own life situation within the context of their culture and value system, as well as in relation to personal goals, expectations, evaluation criteria, and interests. The WHOQOL-BREF was developed as a generic quality of life questionnaire and is therefore not limited to specific areas of application. The questionnaire is completed by the respondent. The WHOQOL-BREF covers the four domains of physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environment. Items are rated on a five-point scale (from "not at all" to "somewhat no," "about," "most of the time," to "completely"). The scales exhibit very high internal consistency. The WHOQOL has received widespread international support and is available in multiple languages. It is validated and reliable.
Measured: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
Scores on the WHO-5 Well-Being Questionnaire
The WHO-5 is a measure of mental well-being consisting of five statements referring to the past two weeks. Each statement is rated on a 6-point scale, with higher scores indicating better mental well-being. The instrument has been translated into more than 30 languages.
Measured: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
Physical health scores
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the numerical Pain Scale.
Measured: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Mar 2026
- Study start12 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Apr 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Equine-assisted TherapyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hopital La Musse
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07495839
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-A02429-40
- Acronym
- EQUI-ADDICT
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on Mental Health and Addictive Behaviors in Patients Receiving Addiction Treatment
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07495839
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EQUI-ADDICT / 2025-A02429-40
- Keywords
- Equine mediation, Addiction, Recidivism, Addictive behavior, Mental health
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Hopital La MusseUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Apr 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Addiction is a major public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 400 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol- or drug-related disorders, resulting in nearly 3.2 million deaths per year. In France, the situation is also cause for concern: approximately three million people engage in risky alcohol consumption, thirteen million smoke daily, and nearly one and a half million use illicit drugs, primarily cannabis.
Addiction, defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder, is characterized by the compulsive pursuit and use of a substance despite knowledge of its harmful effects. Its development depends on multiple factors: personal (trauma, psychiatric disorders, genetic predispositions), environmental (stress, isolation, family context), and those related to the substance itself (addictive potential). The diagnosis of substance use disorders is based on 11 criteria defined in the *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders* (DSM-5), the main ones being: loss of self-control, interference of substance use with academic or occupational activities, continued use despite awareness of the problems it causes, and a new central criterion, craving, defined as an irresistible urge to use, which serves as both a symptom and a diagnostic and prognostic marker because it is a predictor of relapse. The cumulative total of criteria allows the disorder to be classified as mild (2-3), moderate (4-5), or severe (≤ 6). Since the 2020 health crisis, researchers have observed an increase in the use of psychoactive substances, particularly among vulnerable populations. Despite public policy efforts and treatment programs, relapses remain common after treatment, affecting 60 to 70% of patients within six months of their hospitalization. This phenomenon is also observed at La Musse Hospital, where many patients admitted to the nutrition and alcoholism unit express a sense of emptiness upon returning home: a void in relationships, therapy, and daily activities. This feeling often contributes to a return to substance use.
To address these relapses, this study aims to evaluate the impact of a post-hospitalization equine-assisted therapy program on the mental health and addictive behaviors of patients receiving addiction treatment. Already used at La Musse Hospital as part of the care pathway, equine-assisted therapy is based on the interaction between the patient and the horse in a therapeutic setting. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of this approach on emotional regulation, self-confidence, stress management, and overall well-being.
This prospective, single-center, interventional study will include twenty-two patients who have been hospitalized at least once in the nutrition and alcoholism unit at La Musse Hospital or another facility. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a group receiving post-hospitalization equine-assisted therapy or a control group.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental group | Experimental | Other: Equine mediationPatients in the experimental group will receive 22 sessions of equine-assisted therapy over a 24-week period |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Patients in the control group will not receive equine-assisted therapy sessions but will only undergo various follow-up assessments |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Adult patients over the age of 18,
- Patients who have completed detoxification and have been hospitalized at least once in the nutrition and alcoholism unit at La Musse Hospital or at another facility,
- Patients with an addiction to a psychoactive substance (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, cannabis),
- Able to participate in animal-assisted therapy sessions,
- Ability to understand instructions during sessions,
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Patients with a behavioral addiction not involving substances (e.g., gambling, sexual addiction),
- Patients who have not yet completed detoxification,
- Patients under legal guardianship,
- Patients currently undergoing other animal-assisted therapy,
- Allergies to horses,
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Equine mediationPatients in the experimental group will receive 22 sessions of equine-assisted therapy over a 24-week period (Figure 2). The objective of this protocol is to provide a phased transition toward a gradual return to their daily lives. To this end, two equine-assisted therapy sessions per week will be conducted for 1 month (8 sessions), followed by one session per week for 2 months (8 sessions), and finally one session every two weeks for 3 months (6 sessions). Each session will last 1 hour and 30 minutes, with groups of 4 patients, led by 2 professionals from the equine therapy center at La Musse Hospital. | Other | Experimental group |
Primary outcome
The score on the Craving Experience Questionnaire
Time frame: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
The score on the Craving Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-F). This questionnaire retrospectively assesses the intensity and frequency of cravings over a specific time period. The CEQ allows for the assessment of cravings for a variety of substances, including alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or food. The CEQ exhibits excellent psychometric properties (May et al., 2014). This questionnaire enables the calculation of a craving intensity score for a specific substance or food based on the 11 intensity items. Each item is rated on a scale from 0 ("Not at all") to 10 ("Extremely"). Summing these 11 scores yields a total craving intensity score ranging from 0 to 110. The higher the score, the more intense the participant's craving is considered to be. Additionally, the craving frequency score obtained by the CEQ can be calculated by adding the values obtained for the 11 items corresponding to frequency. Each item in this section is rated on a
7 secondary outcomes
The total score on the Beck Depression Inventory
Time frame: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
The total score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory
Time frame: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
The number of relapses
Time frame: Each week, up to 37 weeks
The number, intensity, and duration of self-reported cravings
Time frame: Each week, up to 37 weeks
Scores on the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire
Time frame: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
Scores on the WHO-5 Well-Being Questionnaire
Time frame: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
Physical health scores
Time frame: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Equine mediation in people with Equine-assisted Therapy and Addiction, run by Hopital La Musse.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Héloïse BAILLET, Dr (+33(0)232293047, h.baillet@hlrs-lamusse.net), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The score on the Craving Experience Questionnaire (time frame: at the start of the program (week 1), then 5 weeks, 13 weeks, 25 weeks, and 37 weeks after the start of the program.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Nov 2026.