Potential predictors affecting outcomes in a randomized controlled trial of support programs for parents of young adults with hazardous substance use

TL;DR

This study identifies factors that predict positive outcomes in support programs for parents of young adults with substance use issues.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into predictors of treatment entry, reduced substance use, and improved relationships in parent support programs.

Findings

Higher parental self-efficacy and prior treatment engagement predict treatment entry.

Baseline substance use predicts continued use over time.

Parental stress has mixed effects on substance use outcomes.

Abstract

There is a lack of research on which specific factors that predict positive outcomes in support programs for concerned significant others (CSOs) to individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). The aim of the study was to investigate predictors of positive outcomes among young adults in the areas of: treatment seeking, decreased substance use, and improved parent-young adult relationships. Outcomes were assessed at 24-weeks following a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) and manualized counselling for parents of young adults (18-24 years) with hazardous substance use.

A secondary analysis from an RCT including 113 parents (92% female) of young adults (87% male) recruited from two outpatient clinics for young adults in Stockholm, Sweden, subsequently nationwide. Clinical and sociodemographic predictors of treatment entry, substance use, and relationship happiness at 24 weeks follow-up were assessed using linear and logistic mixed-effects models.

Previous young adult treatment engagement and higher parental self-efficacy were significant predictors of treatment entry, explaining 16% of the variance. Baseline alcohol and substance use consistently predicted higher use over time across measures. Parental stress showed complex associations: higher stress predicted reduced substance use in some models but increased use in others. For the measure of relationship happiness, baseline scores were the strongest predictor.

Taken together, the findings suggest promising targets for tailored support programs for parents of young adults with SUD, such as components designed to enhance parental self-efficacy.

ISRCTN12212515 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12212515. Submitted November 7th, 2018, registered March 4th, 2019.