Technology-assisted parenting intervention for adolescents in substance use treatment
Improving Outcomes of Adolescents in Residential Substance Use Treatment Via a Technology-Assisted Parenting Intervention
This study tests a new program that helps parents of teens in substance use treatment learn better parenting skills through technology to see if it can help their kids stay sober after treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brown University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Rockford, Illinois and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05169385 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Parent SMART, a technology-assisted parenting intervention designed for parents of adolescents undergoing residential treatment for substance use. The intervention combines a computer program that teaches parenting skills, telehealth coaching sessions, and a mobile networking forum for parental support. It aims to improve parenting practices, which are critical for reducing relapse rates in adolescents after treatment. The study builds on previous research demonstrating the feasibility and acceptability of this approach, with a focus on scalability and accessibility for families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adolescents aged 12-18 who are admitted to residential treatment for substance use and their primary guardians who will live with them post-discharge.
Not a fit: Patients who do not report substance use in the past 90 days or whose discharge plan does not include living with a primary guardian may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce relapse rates in adolescents after residential treatment by enhancing parental involvement and support.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar technology-assisted interventions, indicating a promising approach to improving outcomes in adolescent substance use treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Adolescents: * admitted to residential treatment due to concerns about frequency and/or severity of substance use * report alcohol and/or drug use in the past 90 days * be discharged to live with primary guardian * fluent in English or Spanish * willing and able to participate in a 2 hour interview prior to discharge from residential Exclusion Criteria for Adolescents: * does not report alcohol or drug use in the past 90 days * discharge plan does not include living with primary guardian * not fluent in English or Spanish * not willing or able to complete baseline interview Inclusion Criteria for Parents: * parent or legal guardian of adolescent aged 12-18 years inclusive, at project start * adolescent admitted to residential treatment due to concerns about frequency and/or severity of substance use * will be primary guardian living with adolescent after discharge from residential * fluent in English or Spanish * willing and able to complete the baseline assessment prior to the adolescent's discharge * access to a smartphone that can receive text messages and reliably access the internet Exclusion Criteria for Parents: * not legal guardian of adolescent or adolescent not aged between 12-18 years * adolescent not admitted to residential treatment due to substance use concerns * will not be living with adolescent after adolescent's discharge from residential * not fluent in English or Spanish * not willing or able to complete the baseline assessment prior to the adolescent's discharge * does not have access to a smartphone that can receive text messages and reliably access the internet
Where this trial is running
Rockford, Illinois and 2 other locations
- Rosecrance Health Network — Rockford, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
- Rosecrance Jackson Centers — Sioux City, Iowa, United States (Completed)
- Hazelden Betty Ford — Plymouth, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sara J Becker, Ph.D. — Brown University and Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Sara J Becker, Ph.D.
- Email: sara.becker@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-503-4203
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.