Bright Horizons program to reduce binge substance use in Native American adolescents
Adaptation and Evaluation of Bright Horizons: An Evidence Based Intervention for Prevention of Binge Drinking and Drug Use
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Whiteriver, Arizona) |
| Trial ID | NCT05743699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 12-17 * 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 this trial is running
Whiteriver, Arizona
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.