Utilizing Traditional Practices

This study is focused on conducting a stage 1b feasibility pilot trial among 60 AI/AN men and women (for a final sample of 48 at follow-up) in an urban outpatient treatment setting to analyze the potential benefits of Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA). Dr. Dickerson, Principal Investigator, is collaborating with Dr. Elizabeth D'Amico, co-Investigator, with Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center, a community-based organization providing consultative services for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). A feasibility randomized clinical trial will be conducted within an urban setting and will compare urban AI/AN males and females with AOD disorders who receive DARTNA (n=30) to AI/AN males and females with AOD disorders who receive usual care plus (n=30). Compare outcomes at end of treatment and 3-months post-treatment to gather data that can be used to judge the feasibility of a larger trial, and to plan that trial. Obtain information on (a) clinically significant changes in AOD use, (b) clinically significant changes in mental health, physical health, spirituality, cognition, adoption of 12-step principles and practices, and cultural identification, and (c) estimate covariate correlations, reliability of measures and likely effect sizes.

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) is a significant health issue in the United States as rates of AOD use among AI/ANs have continually been high since national data were collected among AI/ANs beginning in the 1980's. In 2013, AI/ANs had the highest rate of AOD dependence and abuse compared with other racial groups.

However, very few AOD abuse treatments utilizing traditional based healing, such as drumming, have undergone rigorous scientific research. Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA) is a new AOD use intervention integrating AI/AN drumming, 12-step philosophy, and concepts focused on the Medicine Wheel. In a recently completed National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)-funded study (R21AT005360), the PI completed key components of DARTNA development (stage 1a) including demonstrating feasibility and acceptability, establishing procedures for therapist adherence procedures, developing a treatment manual, and conducting a pretest among ten AI/AN men (n=5) and women (n=5) with promising preliminary findings.

This study is focused on conducting a stage 1b feasibility pilot trial among 60 AI/AN men and women (for a final sample of 48 at follow-up) in an urban outpatient treatment setting to analyze the potential benefits of Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA). Dr. Dickerson, Principal Investigator, is collaborating with Dr. Elizabeth D'Amico, co-Investigator, with Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center, a community-based organization providing consultative services for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs).