TACUNA Program for Opioid Use Disorder
(TACUNA Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study responds to Request For Application-DA-19-035, HEAL (Helping End Addiction Long Term) initiative: Preventing OUD in Older Adolescents and Young Adults (ages 16-30) by developing and implementing a culturally centered intervention to address opioid use among urban AI/AN emerging adults in California. The primary goal of this study is to compare AI/AN emerging adults who receive TACUNA plus a Wellness Circle (WC) to those AI/AN emerging adults who receive an opioid education workshop on outcomes (e.g., opioid misuse and alcohol and other drug use) over a period of 12 months. TACUNA will be a motivational interviewing group intervention that incorporates traditional practices and discussion of how to cultivate healthy social networks and cultural worlds. The Wellness gathering will be for emerging adults and people in their social network, and will focus on how social networks and cultural connectedness influence healthy behaviors. Opioid education will focus on discussion of opioid misuse within the AI/AN urban community and ways to reduce use in a culturally appropriate manner. Investigators expect those who receive TACUNA + WG will report less opioid and AOD (alcohol and other drug) use frequency, fewer consequences, less time spent around peers who use opioids and AOD, and less perceived prevalence of peer use compared to opioid education over a period of 12 months. Also, investigators will evaluate the intervention's effects on secondary outcomes of social networks and cultural connectedness. Survey data is collected at baseline, 3-months, 6-months and 12-months. Longitudinal analyses will compare intervention participant and control participants on primary and secondary outcomes.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators for guidance.
What data supports the effectiveness of the TACUNA treatment for opioid use disorder?
The TACUNA program is designed specifically for urban American Indian/Alaska Native young adults, integrating culturally appropriate strategies to address opioid use. While direct effectiveness data for TACUNA is not provided, the program builds on previous work with these communities, suggesting it may be beneficial by incorporating cultural elements into prevention efforts.12345
Is the TACUNA Program for Opioid Use Disorder safe for humans?
How is the TACUNA treatment for opioid use disorder different from other treatments?
Research Team
Daniel Dickerson, DO, MPH
Principal Investigator
UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
Elizabeth D'Amico, PhD
Principal Investigator
RAND
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for American Indian/Alaska Native individuals aged 18-25 who do not require substance treatment. It aims to help urban AI/AN young adults in California reduce opioid, alcohol, and other drug use through culturally centered interventions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants attend TACUNA workshops and Wellness Circles or opioid education workshops
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in opioid and AOD use, social networks, and cultural connectedness
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Opioid Education Workshop
- TACUNA plus Wellness Circle
- TACUNA plus Wellness Gathering
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
RAND
Lead Sponsor
Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center
Collaborator
University of California, Los Angeles
Collaborator