Treatment for fathers dealing with substance misuse and family violence

Substance Misuse and Family Violence Treatment for Fathers

This study tests if the Fathers for Change program can help dads struggling with substance misuse and family violence more than regular drug counseling.

Quick facts

• Phase: PHASE2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 280 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: Male
• Sponsor: Yale University (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06650267 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Fathers for Change (F4C) program compared to Individual Drug Counseling (IDC) in a randomized controlled trial involving 280 fathers undergoing substance use treatment. The trial aims to reduce substance misuse and family violence at the end of treatment and during follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. It also seeks to document improvements in emotion regulation as a mechanism for the observed reductions in substance use and family violence. Participants will be recruited from community and veterans healthcare settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are fathers with a substance use disorder who have reported family violence within the last 18 months and have at least one biological child aged 1 to 12 years.

Not a fit: Patients with active protective orders, severe substance addiction requiring detoxification, or untreated severe mental health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment options for fathers struggling with substance misuse and family violence, ultimately improving family dynamics and child well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in similar interventions targeting substance misuse and family violence, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* meet DSM-5 criteria for an SU disorder at the time of assessment at APT or VACHS;
* report FV within the last 18 months prior to screening (based on self, court, police or child protection reports);
* have at least one biological child aged 1 to 12 years with whom they live or have at least twice per month in person visits;
* are able to complete assessments in English; and
* agree to have their female coparents (mother of the youngest child) contacted for participation of their youngest child. If a participant has more than one child in the age range, the youngest will be the target of assessment and treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* an active full/no contact protective order pertaining to their child;
* physiological addiction to a substance that requires detoxification (such individuals may be re-evaluated following detox);
* cognitive impairment (a mini mental state score \<25);
* current untreated psychotic/bipolar disorder;
* currently suicidal or homicidal based on Brief Symptom Inventory Screening and follow-up on positive responses; or
* are currently receiving weekly individual therapy for Substance misuse or family violence

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut and 1 other locations

• Yale University Child Study Center — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (RECRUITING)
• APT Foundation — West Haven, Connecticut, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Carla S Stover, Ph.D. — Yale University
• Study coordinator: Carla S Stover, Ph.D.

Conditions: Substance Misuse, Violence, Domestic, Child Abuse, substance misuse, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, treatment