@Article{info:doi/10.2196/72425,
author="Kershaw, Steph
and Deng, Jessica
and Keaveny, Madeleine
and Speirs, Bronte
and Grager, Anna
and Sampson, Dara
and Ross, Kate
and Newton, Nicola
and Teeson, Maree
and Kay-Lambkin, Frances
and Chapman, Cath",
title="A Web-Based Well-Being and Resilience Intervention for Family Members and Friends Supporting a Loved One Using Alcohol and Other Drugs: Mixed Methods Pilot Study",
journal="JMIR Form Res",
year="2025",
month="Jul",
day="9",
volume="9",
pages="e72425",
keywords="affected friends and family members; substance use; help-seeking; web-based intervention; pilot trial; mobile phone",
abstract="Background: Despite the known psychosocial challenges associated with supporting a loved one using alcohol and other drugs (AOD), there is a scarcity of mental health and well-being interventions for affected friends and family members (AFFMs). Stigma has also been shown to discourage help-seeking among AFFMs. Web-based interventions may facilitate help-seeking by ensuring privacy and anonymity. Objective: This pilot study examines the usability, acceptability, and feasibility of the Family and Friend Support Program (FFSP), a world-first, evidence-based web-based resilience and well-being program designed with, and for, people caring for someone using AOD. This study also examined AFFM's experiences of caring for a loved one using AOD and their help-seeking behaviors and barriers. Methods: In 2021 (November-December), participants across Australia completed a baseline web-based cross-sectional survey that assessed the impact of caring for a loved one using AOD (adapted Short Questionnaire for Family Members-Affected by Addiction), and distress levels (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K-10]). Following baseline, participants were invited to interact with the FFSP over 10 weeks. Postprogram and follow-up surveys (10 and 14 wk postbaseline, respectively) and semistructured interviews assessed the usability and acceptability of the program, as well as help-seeking experiences and barriers. Results: Baseline surveys were completed by 131 AFFMs, with 37{\%} (n=49) completing the postprogram survey and 24{\%} (n=32) completing the follow-up survey. A total of 5 participants took part in individual semistructured interviews at postprogram. On average, K-10 scores fell in the moderate to severe range at baseline (mean 28.4, SD 8.6). At postprogram, the majority of participants (n=27, 55.1{\%}) reported that they did not seek help to cope with or manage their role supporting their loved one and the most common endorsed barrier was cost (n=11, 28.6{\%}). Overall, participants found the FFSP easy to use and provided them with relevant, helpful, and validating information. The majority (n=35, 71.5{\%}) of participants said they would be likely to recommend the FFSP to a person supporting a loved one using AOD. Qualitative responses highlighted the need for free, accessible support for AFFMs such as the FFSP. Limitations included low program engagement and high attrition. Conclusions: Overall, the FFSP appears to be a promising mental health intervention for AFFMs. This study builds on existing research finding high levels of distress among AFFMs, while highlighting the ongoing barriers to help-seeking. Limitations and future directions for refinements and future efficacy evaluation of the FFSP are discussed including ways to address attrition and increase engagement. ",
issn="2561-326X",
doi="10.2196/72425",
url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e72425",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/72425"
}