Drama Therapy for Substance Use Disorders

(Co-ATT Trial)

Overseen By William-Bernard Reid-Varley, MD MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Incarcerated, Pregnant, Inability to consent

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT), a type of drama therapy, can assist individuals with both a mental illness and a substance use disorder. The researchers aim to determine if creating and performing a play can improve mental health and reduce substance use. Participants will engage in weekly group therapy sessions over twelve weeks, culminating in a final performance. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition, such as depression or schizophrenia, who also have a substance use issue and are part of the Addiction Psychiatry Treatment Program at Boston Medical Center. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy methods that could enhance mental health and recovery.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It includes participants who are currently taking medications and those who are not.

What prior data suggests that this drama therapy technique is safe for treating substance use disorders?

Research has shown that drama therapy, such as Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT), is generally safe for people with substance use issues. Studies have found that serious negative effects rarely occur in therapies like this. Co-ATT has been used with various groups, including those recovering from eating disorders and mental health challenges, and it has been well-received.

The therapy includes acting exercises and creating scripts, which are safe and non-invasive activities. Participants usually respond positively to these activities, often finding them enjoyable and helpful. Overall, evidence suggests that Co-ATT is a safe choice for those considering this type of therapy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT) because it offers a unique approach to treating substance use disorders by integrating drama therapy. Unlike standard treatments like medication-assisted therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, Co-ATT uses theatrical techniques to address both psychiatric and substance use issues simultaneously. This method encourages participants to explore and express emotions, potentially leading to deeper psychological insights and personal growth. By engaging participants in an active, creative process, Co-ATT aims to foster a more holistic and collaborative healing experience, which could be particularly beneficial for those with co-occurring disorders.

What evidence suggests that this drama therapy is effective for substance use disorders?

Research has shown that Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT), the treatment under study in this trial, can aid recovery from substance use and mental health issues. Studies have found that drama therapy helps participants express feelings and improve social skills. Those who have tried this therapy often report feeling more confident and connected to others afterward. Early evidence suggests that theater techniques can help individuals understand and manage the complex emotions related to addiction and mental illness. Many participants find it a helpful and enjoyable way to work through personal challenges. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

William-Bernard Reid-Varley, MD MPH

Principal Investigator

Boston Medical Center, Psychiatry Department

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who are dealing with both a mental health issue (like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia) and a substance use disorder. Specific details about eligibility criteria were not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with a mental health condition and a substance use problem, both currently active.

Enrolled in the Addiction Psychiatry Treatment Program (APTP) at Boston Medical Center (scheduled for follow-up appointments with therapist and/or psychiatrist in APTP)

I am currently taking medication.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant women

Incarcerated persons

Inability to understand and/or sign informed consent form

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo drama therapy sessions once a week for twelve weeks, culminating in a single performance of the dramatic work produced during the therapy

12 weeks

12 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in psychiatric symptoms, substance use, and overall functioning

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT)

Trial Overview

The study tests Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT), which uses drama techniques to treat mental illness and improve wellbeing in patients with dual-diagnosis of mental health and substance abuse issues. It includes weekly group sessions over three months plus one final performance.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Drama therapy will be used to treat participants with co-occurring primary psychiatric and substance use disorders

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

410

Recruited

890,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) has been shown to be more effective than other treatments like group therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents with severe drug use and psychiatric issues, particularly in addressing cannabis abuse.

MDFT integrates various therapeutic techniques and focuses on the family system, which helps improve emotional expression and parental involvement, leading to better outcomes in adolescent development and substance abuse treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Multidimensional family therapy: which influences, which specificities?]. Bonnaire, C., Bastard, N., Couteron, JP., et al.[2014]

In a study involving 1,687 substance-abusing participants over 27,198 person-weeks, 12% experienced serious adverse events (SAEs), but none were deemed related to the psychosocial interventions being tested.

There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of SAEs between those receiving standard care and those receiving additional interventions like contingency management or motivational enhancement, suggesting that these psychosocial treatments are safe in terms of serious adverse events.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Serious adverse events in randomized psychosocial treatment studies: safety or arbitrary edicts? Petry, NM., Roll, JM., Rounsaville, BJ., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 137 participants, the adapted START NOW psychotherapy was found to be as effective as standard treatment-as-usual (TAU) for opioid use disorder, with similar attendance and drug use outcomes over 32 weeks.

START NOW psychotherapy is freely available and could be particularly beneficial in low-resource settings, making it a valuable option for treating opioid use disorder alongside medications like buprenorphine.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Noninferiority Clinical Trial of Adapted START NOW Psychotherapy for Outpatient Opioid Treatment. Truong, A., Kablinger, A., Hartman, C., et al.[2023]

Citations

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9113924/

A Pilot Remote Drama Therapy Program Using the Co-active ...

CoATT has been used for various populations in recovery including from eating disorders, substance use disorders, aphasia. A study in 2020 ...

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withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-mental-health-issue-1-2024-83d9a

Drama Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (Co-ATT Trial)

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a specific version of drama therapy for the treatment of patients suffering from both mental illness (such as ...

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A pilot study using the co-active therapeutic theater model ...

The Co-Active Therapeutic Theater model was designed to support people in recovery as they re-introduce themselves to the community at large after stepping out ...

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The Co-Active Therapeutic theatre model: A manualized ...

This article presents an outline of a manualized approach called The Co-Active Therapeutic theatre (CoATT) model, which has been used as a ...

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The Co-active Therapeutic theatre model: a manualized ...

This article presents an outline of a manualized approach called The Co-Active Therapeutic theatre (CoATT) model, which has been used as a successful ...

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researchgate.net

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A Pilot Remote Drama Therapy Program Using the Co ...

Drama therapy is an active practice, where drama/theatre processes are used to carry out the therapeutic objectives of relieving symptoms, ...

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The Co-Active Therapeutic theatre model: A manualized ...

CoATT supports recovery from eating disorders, aphasia, and substance use disorders through structured performance. The model emphasizes solution-focused ...

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ichgcp.net/amp/clinical-trials-registry/NCT06187701

Co-Active Therapeutic Theatre (Co-ATT) in Substance Use ...

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a specific version of drama therapy for the treatment of patients suffering from both mental illness (such as ...