Affiliations: Na’Nizhoozhi Center Incorporated, Gallup, NM, USA | University of New Mexico Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse & Addictions, Albuquerque, NM, USA | Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Alyssa A. Forcehimes, Ph.D., UNM CASAA, 2650 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA. Tel.: +1 505 925 2399; Fax: +1 505 925 2301; E-mail: aforcehimes@comcast.net
Abstract: Employment difficulties are common among American Indian individuals in substance abuse treatment. To address this problem, the Southwest Node of NIDA’s Clinical Trials Network conducted a single-site adaptation of its national Job Seekers Workshop study in an American Indian treatment program, Na’Nizhoozhi Center (NCI). 102 (80% men, 100% American Indian) participants who were in residential treatment and currently unemployed were randomized to (1) a three session, manualized program (Job seekers workshop: JSW) or (2) a 40-minute video on how to interview for a job (Job Interviewing Video: JIV). Outcomes were assessed at 3-month follow up: 1) number of days to a new taxed job or enrollment in a job-training program, and 2) total hours working or enrolled in a job-training program. No significant differences were found between the two groups for time to a new taxed job or enrollment in a job-training program. There were no significant differences between groups in substance use frequency at 3-month follow-up. These results do not support the use of the costly and time-consuming JSW intervention in this population and setting. Despite of the lack of a demonstrable treatment effect, this study established the feasibility of including a rural American Indian site in a rigorous CTN trial through a community-based participatory research approach.
Keywords: American Indian, substance use, job seekers workshop, employment, community based participatory research
