Preventing substance use in youth with recovering parents

Substance Use Prevention for Youth With Parents in Recovery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Brown University · NCT05397691

This study is testing a family program to help young people aged 12-18 with recovering parents avoid substance use by building stronger family connections and coping skills.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages12 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrown University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pawtucket, Rhode Island)
Trial IDNCT05397691 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to prevent substance use disorders in youth aged 12-18 by implementing a modified Family Talk program, which focuses on enhancing family resilience and coping strategies. The study will involve a pilot randomized controlled trial with 40 parent-youth dyads, where the intervention's content and delivery will be optimized through feedback from participants. The goal is to develop a family-centered approach to substance use prevention that can be integrated into primary care settings, ultimately preparing for a larger efficacy study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include youth aged 12-18 without diagnosed substance use disorders and their parents who are 18 or older and receiving treatment for substance use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing acute family crises or those with cognitive limitations may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of substance use disorders in youth with parents in recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with family-centered approaches to substance use prevention, making this intervention a promising adaptation of existing evidence-based strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for youth:

* 12-18 years without diagnosed SUD
* Comfortable speaking English or Spanish

Inclusion Criteria for parent:

* 18 years or older
* Receiving treatment for SUD
* Receiving substance use care in the CODAC system
* Comfortable speaking English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of acute family crisis, such as recent death, incarceration, separation, divorce, or other stressor
* Parent or youth with cognitive limitation or intellectual disability

Where this trial is running

Pawtucket, Rhode Island

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 Use DisordersFamily TalkParent-youth dyadFamily functioningCoping strategies
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.