What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Motivational Interviewing (MI) and its culturally adapted forms, such as CAMI, are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. The primary side effects are psychological and may include increased emotional distress as individuals confront and discuss their substance use and related stressors. Some patients may experience temporary increases in anxiety or depressive symptoms as they work through challenging topics. However, these effects are typically short-lived and can be managed with the support of a trained therapist. Overall, MI and CAMI are considered safe and effective for reducing alcohol use and improving mental health outcomes.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of alcoholism, including disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. Disulfiram works by causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, thereby deterring drinking. Naltrexone reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol, and acamprosate helps maintain abstinence by stabilizing brain chemistry. While these medications are effective, integrating them with behavioral interventions like Motivational Interviewing (MI) enhances outcomes. MI, which focuses on resolving ambivalence and fostering motivation for change, can be culturally adapted to address specific stressors such as those related to immigration, as seen in the CAMI approach. This combination of pharmacotherapy and tailored behavioral therapy represents a comprehensive strategy for treating alcoholism.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to CAMI for alcoholism patients include: 1) Group-based Motivational Interviewing (MI), which has shown significant reductions in alcohol use and improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms. 2) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is effective in treating substance use disorders and can be adapted for cultural relevance. 3) Technology-enhanced interventions, such as web-based CBT programs and mobile apps, which offer accessible and scalable treatment options. These alternatives can be considered based on patient preferences and specific cultural needs.

← Back to Search

Behavioural Intervention

CAMI for Substance Use (CAMI-HI Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Christina S Lee, PhD

Research Sponsored by Boston University Charles River Campus

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Age 18 or older

4/5 or more drinks/occasion (female/male, respectively) 1+ days/month AND/OR AUDIT score of 8+ for men and 6+ for women

Must not have

Cognitive impairment

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 12 month follow-up

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a culturally adapted motivational interviewing method to help Latinx heavy drinkers who face immigration-related stress. The study aims to see if this approach reduces alcohol use and improves mental health. It will also explore how well this method can be implemented in real-world clinical settings.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for Latinx adults who are first or second-generation immigrants and heavy drinkers, defined as having 4/5 or more drinks per occasion at least once a month, or scoring high on alcohol use assessments. It's not for those in current treatment for alcohol disorders, with psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairments, or enrolled in the CCM Program for over 3 months.

What is being tested?

The study tests CAMI (a culturally adapted motivational interviewing) against standard care to see if it reduces alcohol-related harm and improves mental health among Latinx heavy drinkers using drugs and/or alcohol. Participants will be followed up to one year after receiving CAMI from trained Community Wellness Advocates.

What are the potential side effects?

Since CAMI is a psychological intervention rather than a medication, it may not have typical 'side effects' but could potentially cause emotional discomfort during discussions about personal issues like immigration-related stress.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am 18 years old or older.

Select...

I drink 4+ (women) or 5+ (men) drinks at a time, at least once a month, or have an AUDIT score of 8+ (men) or 6+ (women).

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I have difficulty with memory or thinking clearly.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 12 month follow-up

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~12 month follow-up

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 12 month follow-up for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Secondary study objectives

Alcohol-related consequences

Beck Anxiety Inventory

Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression

+2 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: CAMI/CAMI boosterExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Culturally Adapted Motivational Interview. Participants will receive a single session, 75 minute addiction counseling discussion that focuses on the causes of addictive behavior. They will receive a CAMI booster session at 2 months and standard care in a primary care setting.

Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Assessment plus standard care. Participants will complete an assessment, including measures on drinking and drug use. They will also receive standard care in a primary care setting.

0 / 3Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to resolve ambivalence and promote behavior change by expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. Culturally Adapted Motivational Interviewing (CAMI) builds on these principles by incorporating discussions of cultural and immigration-related stressors, such as stigma and social isolation, which are particularly relevant to Latinx populations. This adaptation helps patients feel understood and supported in the context of their unique experiences, leading to significant reductions in alcohol-related harms and improvements in mental health. For alcoholism patients, especially those from culturally diverse backgrounds, these tailored interventions can enhance engagement, reduce substance use, and improve overall well-being.

Culture in treatment, culture as treatment. A critical appraisal of developments in addictions programs for indigenous North Americans and Australians.Effectiveness and appropriateness of culturally adapted approaches to treating alcohol use disorders in Indigenous people: a mixed methods systematic review protocol.Cultural Competence in the Treatment of Addictions: Theory, Practice and Evidence.