RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06565429

Feasibility of the 5-Step Method in the U.S.

A Feasibility Study of Delivery of the 5-Step Method Intervention for Family Members of Persons With Substance Use Disorder in the United States

Sponsor

Villanova University

Enrollment

36 participants

Start Date

Sep 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

The purpose of this study is to see if it is possible (feasible) to introduce a behavioral intervention for family members affected by a relative's misuse of drugs and/or alcohol in the United States. The intervention is called the 5-Step Method. It will be a randomized control trial, with a total of 36 participants, and 18 in each group. The study lasts for approximately 12 weeks for the participant. The intervention group will receive a self-help handbook of the 5-Step Method, and the control group will not. Although the control group will not receive an intervention from the research team, they are allowed to look for and use any currently available program for affected family members (for example, Al-Anon, or Nar-Anon) during the study period. The study is being done because the 5-Step Method has not been used or evaluated in the U.S. (or the creators are unaware that it is in use here). There are two aims (objectives): (1) to see if it is feasible to introduce the 5-Step Method into the U.S.; (2) to look at trends in the baseline and followup survey scores to see if there is evidence of preliminary participant response.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

at least 18 years old
able to read, write, speak, and understand English
live in approximately 100-mile radius of Winchester, VA/ in the Northern Shenandoah Valley
be a family member who self-reports stress/strain because of a relative's drug and/or alcohol misuse
have access to the Internet and a smartphone or larger device to complete study surveys
have a personal email address they do not share with others that can receive study related emails
have the ability to freely consent to participate in the study based on their understanding

Exclusion Criteria1

if person states the relative with alcohol and/or drug misuse is physically violent towards others

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Interventions

BEHAVIORAL5-Step Method Intervention

The 5-Step Method (5SM) intervention is delivered through a self-help handbook: There are writing prompts for the affected family member (AFM) in each step. The steps end with a summary, a space to reflect and a statement that the step is complete but can be reviewed as needed. The steps are: 1.Explore how the relative's drug and/or alcohol misuse is affecting the family member, causing stress and strain. 2.Determine the information the AFM needs to understand the situation using evidence-based websites in the handbook. 3.Reflect on coping styles, and which ones might be useful. 4.Determine who is a source of positive social support, and who could be one that the AFM has not used yet. 5.Review steps 1-4 and determine if the AFM is feeling less stress and strain, or if more help is needed and use websites to look for additional help. The activities should take about 1 hour per week.