Comparing family-based and adolescent-only approaches to substance use intervention

Adolescent-Only SBI Versus Family-Based SBI in Primary Care for Adolescent Alcohol Use

Not applicable Interventional The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University · NCT05964010

This study is testing whether involving families in substance use treatment helps teenagers aged 12-17 do better than just using a standard approach that focuses only on the teens.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2300 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05964010 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a family-based approach versus a standard adolescent-only approach for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for substance use in adolescents aged 12-17. The study involves 2,300 adolescents and their caregivers attending pediatric primary care visits in urban settings. Participants will undergo assessments at multiple follow-up points to measure outcomes related to substance use, behavioral problems, and quality of life. The interventions are delivered primarily through digital platforms during the initial visit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-17 who attend a primary care appointment with a caregiver and are fluent in English or Spanish.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a caregiver present during the appointment or are not fluent in English or Spanish may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of substance use interventions by involving caregivers, potentially leading to better outcomes for adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with family-based approaches in substance use interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Youth aged 12-17 years with a primary caregiver (i.e., parental figure) also in attendance to primary care appointment
* Youth and caregiver are fluent in English or Spanish
* Youth and caregiver are capable of using audio-assisted informed consent procedures and independently operating a hand-held tablet device
* Youth and caregiver are complete routine site AOD risk screening questions prompted during PC visit intake

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Substance Useadolescent substance usepediatric primary carescreeningbrief interventionreferral to treatmentfamily-based
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.