Comparing alcohol treatment in Black churches and specialty clinics

Addressing Health Disparities by Providing Evidence-Based Treatment in the Black Church

NA · NYU Langone Health · NCT04580810

This study is testing a new way to help Black adults with alcohol problems by offering treatment in churches instead of regular clinics to see if it helps them start and stick with their recovery better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment132 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health (other)
Locations3 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04580810 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a novel treatment strategy, CBT4CBT, delivered in Black churches versus traditional outpatient specialty addiction treatment for Black adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The study will assess treatment initiation, engagement, and alcohol outcomes over multiple follow-up periods. By leveraging the trusted status of churches in the community, the trial seeks to engage individuals who may not otherwise seek treatment. The study will also evaluate the relative costs of this innovative treatment delivery method.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black adults aged 18 and older with a current diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal or homicidal ideation, unstable psychotic disorders, or those currently engaged in substance use treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment initiation and retention rates for Black adults with AUD, leading to better recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using community-based settings for addiction treatment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* at least 18 years of age
* current AUD as their principal substance use disorder, confirmed via MINI100 interview, with some drinking in the past 28 days
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to provide informed consent or participate in the study procedures as proposed in the consent
* active suicidal or homicidal ideation or an unstable psychotic disorder (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder) or mood disorder (bipolar disorder, severe major depressive disorder),
* current engagement in substance use treatment, and
* an unwillingness to be randomized to either condition. Individuals with comorbid substance use disorders will be included, as multiple substances of use are common in this population.

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Alcohol Use Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.