Pilot outcome results of culturally adapted evidence-based substance use disorder treatment with a Southwest Tribe

• Published in: Addictive behaviors reports 2016-06, Vol.3 (C), p.21-27
• Main Authors: Venner, Kamilla L, Greenfield, Brenna L, Hagler, Kylee J, Simmons, Jeremiah, Lupee, Donna, Homer, Everett, Yamutewa, Yvette, Smith, Jane Ellen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: American Indian; Community reinforcement approach; Cultural adaptation; Motivational interviewing; Psychiatric/Mental Health; Research paper; Substance use disorder; Treatment
• ISSN: 2352-8532; 2352-8532
• DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2015.11.002

Abstract Introduction Although American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have exhibited high rates of alcohol and drug use disorders, there is a paucity of substance use disorder treatment outcome research. In addition, there exists controversy about whether evidence-based treatments (EBTs) are culturally appropriate given that they were derived mainly by and for non-Hispanic White populations and do not explicitly include aspects of AI/AN culture and worldview. Methods In this pilot study, we collaboratively culturally adapted two EBTs, Motivational Interviewing and Community Reinforcement Approach (MICRA), and evaluated substance use and psychological outcomes at 4- and 8-months post-baseline assessment. In preparation for a larger randomized clinical trial (RCT), eight tribal members (75% male) participated in this pilot treatment study. Measures included substance use, urine screens, self-efficacy, psychological distress, and hopelessness. All participants completed follow-up assessments at 4- and 8-months. Due to small sample size, effect sizes were calculated to evaluate outcomes pre- and post-treatment. Results Despite high rates of abstinence at baseline, percent days abstinent (PDA) increased at the 8-month time point for the most commonly used substances (alcohol, Hedges's g = 0.59, and marijuana, g = 0.60) and for all substances combined (excluding tobacco, g = 0.56). Improvements in psychological distress ( g = − 0.66) and 5 of the 7 Addiction Severity Index domains (range of g = − 0.42 to − 0.98) also emerged. Conclusions Results suggest that culturally adapted EBTs yield significant improvements in alcohol use, psychological distress, and legal problems among AI/ANs. Future research using RCT methodology is needed to examine efficacy and effectiveness.