Development and Testing of Adolescent Twelve-Step Facilitation

Summary

This study is the first to develop and test in a randomized experimental design the efficacy of an integrated 12-step facilitation intervention tailored for young people. In the first phase of the study, the investigators are developing and revising a preliminary manual for the two sessions individually-delivered Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) component and subsequent 8 session group-delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) component which will integrate Twelve-step Facilitation (TSF). Forty adolescents each will complete the preliminary integrated TSF protocol. In the second phase of the study, the investigators will compare integrated TSF (iTSF) to standard treatment (MET/CBT) in a randomized experimental design for adolescent substance use disorder with 60 adolescents. As a result, the investigators will examine potential mechanisms that may underlie the efficacy of iTSF in improving alcohol and other drug use outcomes. The investigators will test group differences on potential mechanisms of change (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous attendance and involvement) and whether these variables are associated with substance use outcomes.

Conditions

• Alcohol Abuse
• Alcohol Dependence
• Drug Abuse
• Drug Dependence

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Integrated Twelve-Step Facilitation

The iTSF condition will include review of treatment goals and overall review of progress, coping skills, real life practices, emotions/mood management, how to make changes in one's social network and discussions about how 12-step meetings can be helpful in one's recovery efforts. In addition, speakers from 12-step fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) will be invited to share their experiences and discuss myths and facts related to attendance at 12-step meetings as well as answer any questions participants have about these fellowships.

BEHAVIORAL

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The CBT condition will include review of progress, coping skills, group exercises, real life practice, and emotions/mood management.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Massachusetts General Hospital

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• John F. Kelly, Ph.D. · Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

14 Years

Max Age

21 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2011-10-31

Primary Completion

2015-03-31

Completion

2016-01-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations