Deaf-accessible pre-treatment for alcohol use disorder
Designing Deaf-MET: A Deaf-Accessible Pre-Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
This pilot will try DeafMET, a Motivational Enhancement Therapy adapted for ASL users, to see if it is acceptable and helpful for Deaf adults with high-risk alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07269119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot delivers DeafMET, a Deaf-accessible adaptation of Motivational Enhancement Therapy, to ten Deaf adults with high-risk alcohol use in a single intervention cycle. Sessions are offered in-person at UMass Chan or via telehealth (Zoom), with assessments conducted before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes include change in participants' stage of change about alcohol use and feasibility metrics such as recruitment, retention, satisfaction, and adherence. Findings will be used to refine the intervention and plan larger-scale research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Deaf adults (18+) who use ASL, meet the AUDIT threshold (men ≥8, women ≥6), and can access Zoom for screening and sessions.
Not a fit: People who do not use ASL, lack capacity to consent or are under guardianship, require more intensive medical detoxification or higher-level care for severe AUD, or cannot access the site or Zoom are unlikely to benefit from this pilot.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DeafMET could expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral treatment and help reduce risky drinking among ASL-using Deaf adults.
How similar studies have performed: Motivational Enhancement Therapy is effective in hearing populations, but behavioral interventions specifically adapted for Deaf ASL users are novel and untested in clinical trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * self-identification as a Deaf ASL user * age 18+ * ability to access Zoom for screening, intervention delivery, and repeated assessment procedures * problematic alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems" as identified by the AUD Identification Test (AUDIT), past-month referent time period: score at least 8 for men or at least 6 for women Exclusion Criteria: * Incapacity to consent due to guardianship or conservatorship
Where this trial is running
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
- UMass Chan — Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexander Wilkins, PhD, MSCI — UMass Chan Medical School
- Study coordinator: Alexander Wilkins, PhD, MSCI
- Email: alexander.wilkins@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 508-556-6261
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.