Family Recovery From Youth Substance Use Related Problems: A Pilot Study of the BEST Plus Program

• NCJ Number: 225347
• Journal: Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 43 Issue: 12-13 Dated: 2008 Pages: 1829-1843
• Author(s): John W. Toumbourou; John H. Bamberg
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 15 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: R.E. Ross Trust; Bokhara Foundation
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Methodology and findings are reported for an evaluation of a pilot program in Australia that focused on family intervention as a central component of an 8-week treatment program for youth with substance-use problems.

Abstract

The findings show small to moderate postprogram improvements across a selected set of program-targeted domains. Findings indicated lower postprogram stress symptoms for parents involved in the program, which reduced their adverse effect on their adolescent’s behavior. Sibling participation in the program made small but significant contributions to postprogram improvement in cohesive family behavior. The measure of youth recovery relied on parent reports and showed high rates of positive behavioral change (62 percent improvement). The short followup time frame (8 weeks) may be too short for the measurement of significant influences on youth actions related to parent and family changes that occurred as a result of the program. Future evaluations of this program should use more sensitive measures of youth recovery behavior as well as a broader range of information sources. The Behavior Exchange Systems Training (BEST) is an 8-week group program designed to assist parents concerned about their children’s substance-use problems. The program covers topics that include drug education, adolescent and family development, guidance for promoting responsible adolescent behavior, and the implementation of family change strategies. The program is based in the assumption that changes in adverse features of the family setting and parent-child interactions will positively impact youth substance-use problems. The evaluation involved 34 Australian parents from 21 families (38-percent single-parent families) who participated in 4 groups that were conducted between late 2003 through 2004. Parents completed questionnaires at the beginning of the first session and at the beginning of the last session. Questions focused on youths’ drug-use behaviors, parents’ own stress symptoms, and relationships with family members. 3 tables and 18 references