Families Strong: A Support Group for Family Members with Substance Use Disorders

The literature recognizes the importance of family members as agents of change in relation to the substance abuser’s behavior. There also is solid, albeit somewhat limited, evidence supporting best practice models for family intervention.  Nevertheless, little attention has been paid, in the literature and in real practice, to the impacts of substance abuse on family members.  With the significant substance abuse problems plaguing Baltimore City, public health leaders recognized the gap in services available to address the impact on family members.  Through extensive research, the Families Strong program was developed, based on the CRAFFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) model to provide a community-based support group for family members.  This presentation will describe the components of the Family Strong model and its eight week curriculum.  Discussion of the key elements of the support group intervention will be discussed and how the program utilizes a Family Coach model for long term sustainability.  Steps to develop the program will be discussed and key success factors.  Early data on program outcomes will be presented and future plans for expansion and evaluation.