Pilot Study of Deaf-MET, a Sign Language Accessible Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder in Deaf Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating DeafMET, a specially adapted version of Motivational Enhancement Therapy MET designed for Deaf adults who have high-risk alcohol use. This pilot study addresses the unique challenges faced by Deaf individuals, such as limited English literacy and lack of accessible behavioral health resources, by creating materials and sessions tailored to American Sign Language ASL users. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effects of DeafMET in motivating change around alcohol use. Participants will receive the DeafMET intervention delivered by a Deaf therapist fluent in ASL, either in-person or through telehealth via Zoom. The program includes six one-hour sessions held every two weeks, featuring Deaf-friendly handouts, ASL educational content, and interactive activities. Sessions are structured to build motivation and commitment to change drinking behaviors, with options for support persons to join later sessions. All sessions are recorded for quality review, with only a portion analyzed for therapy fidelity. During the 13-week participation, individuals complete assessments before, during, and after the intervention using measures translated into ASL and written English. These include surveys on motivation, alcohol use, craving, social support, and therapy alliance. The study also collects feedback through interviews with participants to refine the DeafMET approach. Researchers will monitor recruitment, retention, satisfaction, and changes in participants readiness for change as key outcomes.

Piloting a Deaf Accessible Pre-Treatment for AUD