What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

The Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and peer support are common treatments for alcoholism that focus on altering the patient's environment and social interactions to support sobriety. CRA aims to replace the positive reinforcement of alcohol use with healthier, rewarding activities and relationships, thereby reducing the desire to drink. Peer support provides a network of individuals who share similar experiences, offering emotional support, practical advice, and encouragement. These mechanisms are crucial for alcoholism patients as they address both the psychological and social aspects of addiction, promoting long-term recovery and improving overall quality of life.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for alcoholism, such as peer support and the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), generally have minimal direct side effects. However, individuals may experience emotional discomfort or stress when confronting personal issues during therapy sessions. Pharmacological treatments like naltrexone can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Psychosocial interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may lead to temporary increases in anxiety or emotional distress as individuals work through challenging behaviors and thoughts.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of alcoholism, including naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosate, baclofen, topiramate, and gabapentin. These drugs have been studied for their effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption and supporting recovery. The Culturally Adapted CHESS Health Connections App, which incorporates peer support and the Community Reinforcement Approach, aligns with these pharmacologic treatments by providing behavioral support to enhance recovery outcomes.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives for alcoholism treatment in 2024 include: 1) Mobile apps like Woebot, which uses a CBT-based conversational agent to provide mental health support and has shown comparable therapeutic bond levels to traditional CBT. 2) Digital platforms offering real-time monitoring and notifications, such as the app studied by Dar R., which helps in smoking cessation and could be adapted for alcohol use. 3) Telehealth services providing remote access to CBT and other psychosocial interventions, which have been effective in treating various mental health conditions. 4) Social prescribing initiatives that connect patients to community resources, support groups, and lifestyle modification programs, which have been beneficial in managing chronic conditions like Parkinson's disease and could be adapted for alcoholism.

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Behavioral Intervention

Mobile Health App for Alcoholism (CIRCLE Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Ann D Collier, Ph.D.

Research Sponsored by Southcentral Foundation

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

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

Must have

≥ 21 years of age

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

Non-English speaking

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline, 3 months after using app, 6 months after using app

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a culturally adapted smartphone app designed to help Alaska Native and American Indian adults stay sober. The app includes tools for tracking progress, learning new skills, setting reminders, and connecting with others for support. It also features culturally relevant content like stories and music. The goal is to see if the app is helpful and easy to use for this specific group.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for Alaska Native and American Indian adults over 21 who want to change their drinking habits, speak English, have access to a smartphone or tablet, and receive services at Southcentral Foundation in the Anchorage Service Unit. It's not for those with severe medical or psychiatric conditions that hinder app use.

What is being tested?

The study tests a culturally adapted mHealth app called CIRCLE, designed to support sobriety among AN/AI people. The app includes peer support features and skill-building modules based on the Community Reinforcement Approach.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this intervention involves using an mHealth app rather than medication, traditional side effects are not expected. However, users may experience emotional discomfort while engaging with sobriety content.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

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

Select...

I am 21 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

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

Select...

I do not speak English.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline, 3 months after using app, 6 months after using app

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline, 3 months after using app, 6 months after using app

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, 3 months after using app, 6 months after using app for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

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

Primary study objectives

Changes in alcohol and drug use over time

Changes in alcohol associated problems

Changes in motivation to change alcohol use

+4 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

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

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: CIRCLE mHealth appExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The investigators will trial a modified version of the mHealth app called "Connections" with Alaska Native/American Indian people who want to change the way they use alcohol.

0 / 2Eligibility 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

The Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and peer support are common treatments for alcoholism that focus on altering the patient's environment and social interactions to support sobriety. CRA aims to replace the positive reinforcement of alcohol use with healthier, rewarding activities and relationships, thereby reducing the desire to drink. Peer support provides a network of individuals who share similar experiences, offering emotional support, practical advice, and encouragement. These mechanisms are crucial for alcoholism patients as they address both the psychological and social aspects of addiction, promoting long-term recovery and improving overall quality of life.

Effectiveness and appropriateness of culturally adapted approaches to treating alcohol use disorders in Indigenous people: a mixed methods systematic review protocol.