A Multifamily Group Curriculum for Family Members of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: Updates, Perceptions, and Outcomes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Substance use disorders (SUDS) are highly prevalent chronic health conditions that have dire impacts on the health and wellbeing of not only the individual with an SUD, but on their family members as well. This is important as the family is often one of the most important support groups for an individual seeking recovery from an SUD. The present study provides an update regarding a previously published and implemented multifamily group curriculum (MFGC) for family members of those with an SUD. More specifically, changes to the curriculum are highlighted, and results from data analyses on important factors associated with individual and family member recovery are shared and discussed. There is evidence of this updated MFGC continuing to be an effective intervention for family members with a loved-one seeking recovery from an SUD; however, greater and more long-term support for family members is still needed. Additionally, results of this study showed that change in important factors associated with family member wellbeing and family recovery is associated with relapse status of the loved-one seeking recovery from a SUD at a follow-up time point.