Behavioral Activation for Heroin Use in China: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This was a single-site two-arm parallel-group trial conducted in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Clinic that provides medication service for 254 heroin users in Wuhan, China. Once consented and completed the pre-treatment assessment, participants were randomized to receive either the Chinese translated behavioral activation treatment for substance use (C-BA) or treatment as usual (TAU). Research assessments occurred at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1- and 3-months follow-ups. The primary purpose of this study is to: 1\. Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the Chinese-translated behavioral activation treatment for substance use (C-BA), an evidence based intervention developed to address the individual and psychological needs of Chinese substance users. The secondary purpose of this study is to: Examine the underlying mechanism of C-BA by studying the relationship between change in substance use related outcomes and associated psychological constructs (e.g. levels of behavioral activation and depression).