TY - JOUR AU - Kershaw, Steph AU - Deng, Jessica AU - Keaveny, Madeleine AU - Speirs, Bronte AU - Grager, Anna AU - Sampson, Dara AU - Ross, Kate AU - Newton, Nicola AU - Teeson, Maree AU - Kay-Lambkin, Frances AU - Chapman, Cath PY - 2025 DA - 2025/7/9 TI - 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 JO - JMIR Form Res SP - e72425 VL - 9 KW - affected friends and family members KW - substance use KW - help-seeking KW - web-based intervention KW - pilot trial KW - mobile phone AB - 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. SN - 2561-326X UR - https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e72425 UR - https://doi.org/10.2196/72425 DO - 10.2196/72425 ID - info:doi/10.2196/72425 ER -