Community Driven Substance Use Recovery for High Opioid Overdose Areas

The main goal of this current study is to develop and optimize methods for increasing access to, uptake of, and engagement in MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) among communities in geographical areas with high overdose cases. Through a multilevel Community Based Participatory Research initiative and a rigorous RCT that incorporates elements of choice in participation, the study will examine whether adding a church-based telehealth MAT option to Imani (Imani + CTM) will improve outcomes for people who reside in geographical areas with high overdose rates with Alcohol Use Disorder or Opioid Use Disorder)compared to Imani + Traditional MAT Referral and Linkage (Imani + Traditional MAT R&L) in the community. Individuals who do not choose to engage in MAT will continue in the Imani group program as usual. Imani (meaning Faith in Swahili) Breakthrough was developed in 2017 through a community based participatory research process. Imani Breakthrough is a faith-based, person-centered, culturally informed harm reduction recovery program that takes place churches in the community in geographical areas with high overdose rates. This program provides an innovative approach to engaging vulnerable groups into Substance Use Disorder treatment by focusing on SAMHSA's 8 dimensions of wellness (social determinants of health), 7 domains of citizenship, culturally informed education, and referral to Medication Assisted Treatment defined as any Food and Drug Administration approved pharmacotherapy for treating Substance Use Disorder. The Community Based Participatory Research process, which incorporates learning from and partnering with the church and larger community (including providers and policymakers), aims to increase the community's understanding of Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder, tackle Medication Assisted Treatment misconceptions, optimize IMANI implementation, and establish policy recommendations for the healthcare systems to better serve people with Substance Use Disorder.

The specific aims are:

Specific Aim 1: To evaluate the impact of Imani + a church-based telehealth Medicine Assisted Treatment option (Imani + CTM) compared to Imani + Traditional MAT referral and linkage option (Imani + MAT R&L) on medication for addiction treatment initiation and engagement.

Specific Aim 2: To assess whether there are changes in substance use over time for Imani+ CTM compared to Imani + Traditional MAT R&L.

Specific Aim 3: To evaluate potential mediators and moderators (e.g., choice, SDOH) of improvements in primary SUD outcomes (initiation, engagement, and decreased substance use).