Cultural Adaptation of an Alcohol and Other Drug Use Treatment for Black Justice Involved Youth

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ ABSTRACT The goal of the proposed NIAAA K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award is to support Dr. Brittany Bryant in gaining the knowledge, skills, and expertise required for the successful transition from clinical practice to building a career as an independent clinical researcher focused on improving treatment options for Black justice-involved youth (JIY). Black JIY are overrepresented in the criminal justice system due to institutional racism and discrimination. The General Strain Theory posits that high levels of ethnic and racial discrimination (ERD), paired with elevated levels of witnessing or experiencing police brutality, places Black JIY at unique risk of increased alcohol and other drug use (AOD) as a means of coping with stressful events. Black JIY report engaging in comorbid alcohol and cannabis use to achieve temporary respite from discrimination- induced stress. While JIY engage in higher rates of comorbid alcohol and cannabis use compared to non-justice- involved youth, overall, Black JIY are less likely to be diverted to substance use treatment programs, less likely to engage in care after being released on probation, less likely to benefit from substance use treatment in terms of reduced risk of recidivism, and are more adversely affected by early onset of AOD activity than White JIY. To date, no known adolescent substance use treatment directly addresses ERD, the increased risk of AOD due to ERD, or explicitly presents tools on how to appropriately respond to AOD and discrimination distress among Black JIY. To address this problem, Dr. Bryant’s research program aspires to improve the understanding of 1) the impact of ERD on adolescent AOD within the Black JIY population; 2) culturally adapt the evidence-based Cannabis Youth Treatment Series (CYT) using the ADAPT-ITT model to address ERD, reduce AOD, and reduce recidivism with input from Black JIY, parents, and community members; and 3) pilot the culturally adapted intervention to assess feasibility, acceptability, and changes in substance use and discrimination distress. For the duration of the award, Dr. Bryant will 1) increase her record of scholarly publications; 2) expand knowledge and skills in mixed methods research and applied research methods; 3) develop expertise in effectively conducting community-based research; and 4) obtain training in effectively culturally adapting evidence based interventions. The training and mentorship afforded to Dr. Bryant will enhance her career development and long- term goals of becoming an independent community-based clinical researcher focused on improving treatment options, policies, and procedures to decriminalize substance use and prioritize diverting Black JIY to substance use treatment. Moreover, the proposed project aligns with NIAAA’s strategic plan to 1) prioritize the development of culturally appropriate interventions to prevent or reduce alcohol misuse and related consequences, 2) improve the implementation, accessibility, and use of alcohol treatment tailored to the needs of individuals, and 3) raise awareness about the effects of alcohol on health and well-being, while supporting an underrepresented woman of color trained in AOD research.