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

Description

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.

Conditions

Family Members, Relatives, Substance-Related Disorders, Alcohol-Related Disorders, Coping Skills, Stress, Psychological, Stress Physiology

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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.

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

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

Condition
Family Members
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Winchester

Online Study, Winchester, Virginia, United States, 22601

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * at least 18 years old
  • * able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • * live in approximately 50-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
  • * Live with the relative with drug and/or alcohol problems or have at least 3 points of contact with them weekly
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Villanova University,

Therese M Collins, MS, RN, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Villanova University

Helene Moriarty, PhD, RN, FAAN, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Villanova University

Study Record Dates

2025-12-01