Bright Horizons program to reduce binge substance use in Native American adolescents
Official title: Adaptation and Evaluation of Bright Horizons: An Evidence Based Intervention for Prevention of Binge Drinking and Drug Use
Run by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health · NCT05743699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether the Bright Horizons program can help reduce binge drinking and other substance use in Native American teens aged 12–17 who live on or near the Fort Apache Reservation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Whiteriver, Arizona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05743699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Native American youth aged 12–17 who have a confirmed binge alcohol or substance use event reported within the past 90 days, live on or near the Fort Apache (Whiteriver) Reservation, and have parental or guardian consent and youth assent.
✕Probably not a fit
Youth with unstable severe medical, psychiatric, or drug problems requiring inpatient care, acute suicidal or homicidal ideation, recent severe trauma requiring high-intensity interventions, non-English speakers, or those with severe visual impairment are unlikely to benefit from this brief intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Bright Horizons is a culturally adapted brief intervention developed with the White Mountain Apache Tribe and Johns Hopkins that teaches emotion regulation, coping skills, problem solving, and goal setting and links youth to treatment resources. Adolescents with a recent binge substance use event will receive the Bright Horizons lesson and some case management support. Participants complete questionnaires at enrollment, four weeks later, and eight weeks after enrollment to track substance use, relationships, emotions, and behavior. Some participants will receive the intervention later as a delayed-control group so all enrolled youth can access the program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce binge substance use and improve coping, family and peer relationships, and connections to treatment for participating teens.
How similar studies have gone: Culturally adapted, brief interventions for Indigenous and adolescent populations have shown promise in improving coping and reducing substance use in some settings, but evidence remains limited and context-specific.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 10-24 * Confirmed binge alcohol use event reported to the surveillance system within 90 days * Self identify as Native American * Reside on or near the Fort Apache Indian Reservation * Have parental or legal guardian consent/provide youth assent Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable and severe medical, psychiatric or drug use problems that necessitates inpatient treatment * Acute suicidal or homicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention * Recent and severe stressful life events such as physical or sexual abuse, or violent crime victimization that requires specific and high intensity interventions or out of home placement * Doesn't speak English * Severally visually impaired
Where it's running
-
Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health - Whiteriver Site
Whiteriver, Arizona, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mary Cwik, PhD — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Mary Cwik, PhD
- Email: mcwik1@jhu.edu
- Phone: 410-955-6931
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.