Fathers for Change vs. Individual Drug Counseling for Substance Abuse

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Carla S Stover, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Protective order, Cognitive impairment, Psychotic/Bipolar, Suicidal/Homicidal, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 19

Duration: 18 weeks

280 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests two treatments to help fathers reduce substance use and family violence. The first treatment, Fathers for Change (F4C), helps dads improve emotional control, while the second, Individual Drug Counseling (IDC), provides standard support for substance issues. The goal is to determine which method better assists fathers with substance abuse problems and a history of family violence. Ideal candidates are dads who have struggled with substance use, reported family violence in the past 18 months, and have regular contact with at least one young child. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the effectiveness of the treatments in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to important findings.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Earlier studies have examined Fathers for Change (F4C) for its effects on substance use and family violence. Research shows that this program uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy that helps people change their behavior. Although specific information on side effects for F4C is unavailable, programs based on CBT are usually well-tolerated by participants.

This trial is in Phase 2, focusing on evaluating the program's effectiveness and examining its safety more closely. Some evidence suggests it is safe, but the trial continues to gather detailed information on participants' responses to the treatment.

For those considering joining this trial, current information suggests that F4C is likely safe. However, as with any treatment, it is important to ask questions and discuss any concerns with the trial team. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about the Fathers for Change (F4C) treatment for substance abuse because it offers a unique approach that targets family dynamics and parenting skills, unlike most current treatments that focus solely on the individual. Traditional options often center around individual counseling or medication-assisted therapy, but F4C integrates family therapy to address underlying relational issues that may contribute to substance abuse. This holistic approach not only aims to reduce substance use but also to improve family relationships, potentially leading to more sustainable recovery outcomes. By focusing on the role of fathers within the family unit, F4C provides a tailored and comprehensive strategy that is not typically addressed in conventional treatment programs.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for substance use and family violence?

Research has shown that the Fathers for Change (F4C) program, one of the treatments in this trial, can effectively assist fathers with substance use issues and reduce family violence. Studies have found that F4C helps fathers manage their reactions to threats and control impulsive behavior, leading to lasting changes. Specifically, one study found that F4C reduces substance use as effectively as Individual Drug Counseling (IDC), the other treatment option in this trial, while also improving family relationships. Additionally, F4C has been linked to better emotional control, which aids in reducing substance use and violence. These findings suggest that F4C could be a promising option for fathers seeking to improve their health and family life. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Carla S Stover, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for fathers who are receiving treatment for substance misuse within community or VA healthcare settings and have a history of family violence. They should be willing to participate in follow-up assessments after the treatment ends.

Inclusion Criteria

Meet DSM-5 criteria for an SU disorder at the time of assessment at APT or VACHS

Report FV within the last 12 months prior to screening (based on self, court, police, or child protection reports)

Are able to complete assessments in English

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have untreated psychotic or bipolar disorder.

Physiological addiction to a substance that requires detoxification (such individuals may be re-evaluated following detox)

I am in weekly therapy for substance misuse or family violence.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either Fathers for Change (F4C) or Individual Drug Counseling (IDC) for substance use and family violence reduction

18 weeks

Weekly visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for substance misuse and family violence at 3- and 6-month post-treatment follow-up

27 weeks

Visits at week 19, week 32, and week 45

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Fathers for Change (F4C)
• Individual Drug Counseling (IDC)

Trial Overview

The study compares two approaches: Fathers for Change (F4C), which focuses on improving relationships and emotion regulation, against Individual Drug Counseling (IDC) that targets substance use directly. The goal is to see which method better reduces substance abuse and family violence.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Fathers for Change Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Individual Drug Counseling Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

APT Foundation, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

7

Recruited

1,200+

VA Connecticut Healthcare System

Collaborator

Trials

86

Recruited

8,800+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Substance use treatment programs often overlook the parenting status of men, despite evidence that programs focusing on gender and motherhood improve treatment outcomes for women.

The paper presents pilot outcomes from a fatherhood-focused intervention in a residential treatment program, suggesting that integrating parenting components could enhance treatment effectiveness and positively impact child welfare.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Where's Dad? The Importance of Integrating Fatherhood and Parenting Programming into Substance Use Treatment for Men. Stover, CS., Carlson, M., Patel, S., et al.[2020]

Children with fathers who abuse illicit drugs show more internalizing and externalizing symptoms compared to those with alcoholic or non-substance-abusing fathers, based on a study involving 120 children across three groups.

The study suggests that improving parenting behavior and reducing conflict between parents could help enhance the adjustment of children living with drug-abusing fathers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotional and behavioral problems of children living with drug-abusing fathers: comparisons with children living with alcohol-abusing and non-substance-abusing fathers. Fals-Stewart, W., Kelley, ML., Fincham, FD., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 62 fathers in residential substance misuse treatment, the Fathers for Change (F4C) program, which integrates treatment for intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment, led to significantly greater reductions in affect dysregulation compared to the Dads 'n' Kids (DNK) program.

Both interventions resulted in decreased anger and IPV, but F4C participants showed a potential lower likelihood of substance use relapse after treatment, highlighting the benefits of integrating fatherhood-focused interventions in substance misuse programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized pilot trial of two parenting interventions for fathers in residential substance use disorder treatment. Stover, CS., McMahon, TJ., Moore, K.[2023]

The Fathering in Recovery (FIR) intervention, a video-based program adapted for fathers in their first year of recovery from substance use disorders, significantly improved parenting knowledge and fathering efficacy among participants, based on a pilot study of 41 fathers.

FIR also showed potential in reducing ineffective parenting practices and child behavior problems, indicating that this intervention could positively impact families affected by substance use disorders, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized controlled trial to improve fathering among fathers with substance use disorders: Fathering in recovery intervention. Cioffi, CC., Browning O'Hagan, AM., Halvorson, S., et al.[2023]

The intervention 'Fathers for Change' is designed specifically for fathers who are involved in intimate partner violence (IPV) and also struggle with substance abuse, addressing the unique challenges they face in parenting.

This program emphasizes the importance of the paternal role in treatment, filling a significant gap in current interventions that often overlook fathers' responsibilities and needs in the context of IPV and parenting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fathers for change: a new approach to working with fathers who perpetrate intimate partner violence. Stover, CS.[2021]

The Fathers for Change intervention, involving 18 fathers with both Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and substance abuse issues, led to higher treatment completion rates and greater satisfaction compared to Individual Drug Counseling.

Participants in the Fathers for Change group showed a trend toward reduced IPV and significantly less intrusive behavior during play with their children after the 16-week program, suggesting potential benefits for both fathers and their parenting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fathers for Change for Substance Use and Intimate Partner Violence: Initial Community Pilot. Stover, CS.[2023]

Behavioral Family Counseling (BFC) combined with Individual-Based Treatment (IBT) led to significantly longer treatment retention and better outcomes in substance use abstinence compared to IBT alone, based on a study of 29 substance-dependent patients.

BFC patients showed consistent improvements across all measured outcomes at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-ups, indicating its effectiveness in reducing substance use and enhancing treatment engagement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Behavioral family counseling for substance abuse: a treatment development pilot study. O'Farrell, TJ., Murphy, M., Alter, J., et al.[2021]

In a pilot study involving 30 fathers with alcohol use disorders, Parent Skills with Behavioral Couples Therapy (PSBCT) showed comparable effectiveness to Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) in reducing substance use and relationship conflict, while both were more effective than Individual-Based Treatment (IBT).

PSBCT demonstrated larger improvements in parenting skills and reduced involvement with Child Protection Services (CPS) compared to BCT, suggesting it may be a beneficial approach for fathers in treatment and should be explored further in larger studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parent training with behavioral couples therapy for fathers' alcohol abuse: effects on substance use, parental relationship, parenting, and CPS involvement. Lam, WK., Fals-Stewart, W., Kelley, ML.[2022]

A study involving 44 fathers in a substance use disorder treatment program showed that incorporating a fatherhood-focused intervention significantly reduced anger-related thoughts and emotion regulation problems after the program.

The intervention, called Fathers for Change, had a high completion rate of 84.1% among participants, indicating strong feasibility and satisfaction with the program's content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrating intimate partner violence and parenting intervention into residential substance use disorder treatment for fathers. Stover, CS., Carlson, M., Patel, S.[2019]

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