Culturally Adapted Contingency Management for Stimulant Use Disorder

This trial tests a new approach to assist Black adults with a stimulant use disorder, indicating recent struggles with drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine. The study compares a culturally adapted reward system, called Culturally Adapted Contingency Management, where participants earn incentives for remaining drug-free, against both a basic version of this system and the usual clinic care. The goal is to determine if tailoring treatment to cultural needs enhances effectiveness. Individuals who self-identify as Black or African American and have been diagnosed with stimulant use disorder in the last 30 days may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could lead to more effective, culturally sensitive treatments.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Past studies have shown that contingency management (CM) is a well-tolerated treatment for people with stimulant use disorder. Research indicates that CM effectively helps individuals stop using stimulants and remains safe for those with other substance use disorders. Participants in various studies have not reported significant negative effects from CM, suggesting the treatment is generally safe.

Researchers are excited about Culturally Adapted Contingency Management (CM) because it personalizes treatment for stimulant use disorder by considering cultural factors that may influence a person's recovery journey. Unlike standard treatments, which often rely on a one-size-fits-all approach, this method tailors the motivational incentives to be culturally relevant, potentially increasing engagement and effectiveness. This innovative approach aims to improve outcomes by respecting and leveraging the diverse backgrounds of participants, which is a significant shift from typical treatment protocols.

Studies have shown that contingency management (CM) effectively treats stimulant use disorder by rewarding positive actions, such as staying drug-free. This trial will compare different CM approaches. Participants in the "Culturally Adapted CM" arm will receive a version of CM tailored to specific cultures. Research suggests this adaptation can be even more effective, especially for communities like Black adults, by incorporating cultural considerations into treatment plans. Meanwhile, participants in the "Basic CM" arm will receive a standard CM program. Evidence from multiple studies supports CM's success in reducing drug use and helping people continue their treatment. Specifically, participants in basic CM programs were 2.4 times more likely to have drug-free tests, demonstrating its clear impact. Overall, CM is a proven method for addressing stimulant use disorder in various groups.²³⁴⁶⁷