Substance Misuse and Family Violence Treatment Fathers

Launched by YALE UNIVERSITY · Oct 17, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program called Fathers for Change (F4C) to see if it is more effective than Individual Drug Counseling (IDC) in helping fathers who struggle with substance misuse and family violence. The goal is to understand how well F4C helps reduce these issues at the end of treatment and during follow-up visits three and six months later. The researchers believe that improving how fathers manage their emotions might be key to reducing both substance use and family violence.

To be part of this study, fathers need to meet certain criteria. They should have a substance use disorder and have reported family violence in the past year. Additionally, they must have at least one biological child aged 1 to 12 years, with whom they live or visit regularly. Participants will be asked to complete assessments in English and allow researchers to contact the child’s mother for her input. It's important to note that fathers with active protective orders, severe addictions that require detox, or serious mental health issues may not be eligible. Those who join the trial can expect to receive support and treatment aimed at improving their situation while also contributing to important research.

Gender

MALE

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