Testing Parent SMART A Technology-Assisted Parenting Support for Adolescents in Residential Substance Use Treatment

What this Trial Is About

Adolescents in residential substance use treatment often face serious substance-related challenges and high relapse rates, with studies showing that 60% relapse within 90 days after discharge. Parenting practices play a key role in influencing adolescent substance use outcomes, yet engaging parents in treatment has historically been difficult. This research evaluates a technology-assisted parenting program called Parent SMART, designed to support parents and improve adolescent outcomes during and after residential treatment. Parent SMART combines an existing computer-based parenting skills program called Parenting Wisely with up to four telehealth coaching sessions and an app-based networking forum where parents can connect with experts and other parents. The study compares adolescents receiving standard residential treatment alone to those whose parents receive Parent SMART alongside usual care. Parent SMART sessions are delivered by counselors, and the program is offered both during short and long residential stays, with the goal of enhancing parental monitoring and communication. Participants include adolescent-parent pairs who will be randomly assigned to either standard treatment or Parent SMART plus treatment. Follow-up assessments occur at 6, 12, and 24 weeks after discharge, including self-reports, videotaped interactions, and urine screenings. The study measures changes in parenting behaviors, adolescent substance use, and related high-risk behaviors over 24 weeks. The results aim to show whether Parent SMART improves parenting and reduces adolescent substance use and related problems after residential treatment.

Parent SMART (Substance Misuse in Adolescents in Residential Treatment)