Social Network Intervention For Young People
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised controlled trial of family and social network intervention for young people who misuse alcohol and drugs: a feasibility study
IRAS ID
141519
Contact name
Alex Copello
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN93446265
Research summary
Research evidence shows that there is a high prevalence of substance use among young people in the UK. Early onset and high levels of use are associated with a range of negative outcomes, including increased risk of later problematic use and dependence. A growing body of research has identified family interventions to be effective in treating young people’s substance use problems. However, despite this evidence, take-up of family based approaches, at least in the UK, has been low. A key factor appears to be the resource-intensive nature of many family interventions, making them difficult to implement and deliver in many service settings, especially in the context of substantial cuts to drug and alcohol services for young people (1). Another potential barrier may be the cultural adaptation of approaches developed in the USA to a UK setting. There is growing awareness of the need to adapt evidence-based treatments to different cultural groups and settings in order to ensure successful implementation (2,3,4).
Following on from developmental and adaptation work, this study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of recruiting young people to specifically developed family and network based intervention. In addition the feasibility of training staff from existing young people addiction services to deliver this intervention will be explored and treatment retention will be assessed. Qualitative interviews will elicit the participants’ views on the acceptability of the intervention and their experiences of both it and the study process.
1.Drugscope. Charities warn of ‘devastating impact’ of cuts to young people’s drug and alcohol services. 2011; 20 July.
2.Bernal G, Jimenez-Chafey M, Domenech Rodriquez MM. Cultural adaptation of treatments: a resource for considering culture in evidence-based practice. Professional Psychology; Research and Practice. 2009: 40 (4); 361-368.
3.Cortese CA (1999). Drug services and cultural adaptation. Drugs: education, prevention and policy. 1999: 6 (3); 361-366
4.Lau, A.S. Making the case for selective and directed cultural adaptations of evidence-based treatments: examples from parent training. Clin Psychol Sci Prac. 2006: 13; 295-310.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0021
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion