Treatment for fathers dealing with substance misuse and family violence

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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.
• Email: carla.stover@yale.edu
• Phone: 2037853486

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.