NIDA Clinical Trials Network 0031: Stimulant Abuser Groups to Engage in 12-Step (STAGE-12)

The primary objective of this protocol is to evaluate the degree to which a combined group and individual intervention that also uses recovery mentors, "Stimulant Abuser Groups to Engage in 12-Step" (STAGE-12), improves substance-related outcomes compared to treatment as usual (TAU) without STAGE-12 among stimulant abusers.
 
The question is: can we use an intervention that will help our clients attend and get really involved in 12-Steps meetings?
 
A total of approximately 700 stimulant users seeking formal treatment, recruited from approximately nine different agencies, will be randomized to STAGE-12 or TAU.   ChangePoint will be recruiting 75-80 clients for the study. Participants will be individuals 18 years of age or older who are seeking outpatient treatment for stimulant abuse or dependence. The primary objective is to evaluate reduction in percent of days of stimulant use.  Secondary objectives include evaluating reduction in percent days of use of other substances, the degree to which STAGE-12 increases involvement in 12-step activities and attendance at 12-step meetings, and the extent to which such 12-step involvement and meeting attendance influences substance use outcomes.  
 
Richard Drandoff is the site Principal Investigator and site supervisor, Marsha Lipets-Maser  is the Research Coordinator, Chris Botero is the Research Assistant, and Michael Davis is the back up supervisor. ChangePoint is scheduled to start randomizing clients at the end of January. If you have a stimulant abuse/ dependent client who might be interested in participating and you have questions call Marsha at (503) 419-2653.  Learn more about the NIDA Clinical Trials Network at: www.nida.nih.gov/CTN