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
Abstract BackgroundDespite 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 show...
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JMIR Publications
2025-07-01
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| Series: | JMIR Formative Research |
| Online Access: | https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e72425 |
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| author | Steph Kershaw Jessica Deng Madeleine Keaveny Bronte Speirs Anna Grager Dara Sampson Kate Ross Nicola Newton Maree Teeson Frances Kay-Lambkin Cath Chapman |
| author_facet | Steph Kershaw Jessica Deng Madeleine Keaveny Bronte Speirs Anna Grager Dara Sampson Kate Ross Nicola Newton Maree Teeson Frances Kay-Lambkin Cath Chapman |
| author_sort | Steph Kershaw |
| collection | DOAJ |
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Abstract
BackgroundDespite 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.
ObjectiveThis 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.
MethodsIn 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.
ResultsBaseline 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.
ConclusionsOverall, 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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-80c3e652636e4edd815abcc85e98cbe2 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2561-326X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | JMIR Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | JMIR Formative Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-80c3e652636e4edd815abcc85e98cbe22025-08-20T02:40:26ZengJMIR PublicationsJMIR Formative Research2561-326X2025-07-019e72425e7242510.2196/72425A Web-Based Well-Being and Resilience Intervention for Family Members and Friends Supporting a Loved One Using Alcohol and Other Drugs: Mixed Methods Pilot StudySteph Kershawhttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-2494-4391Jessica Denghttp://orcid.org/0009-0005-0096-4330Madeleine Keavenyhttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-6762-2128Bronte Speirshttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-8018-2179Anna Gragerhttp://orcid.org/0009-0007-7322-9091Dara Sampsonhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-2666-3393Kate Rosshttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-8223-9546Nicola Newtonhttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-6305-2623Maree Teesonhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-6744-463XFrances Kay-Lambkinhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-4252-5572Cath Chapmanhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-2460-6862 Abstract BackgroundDespite 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. ObjectiveThis 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. MethodsIn 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. ResultsBaseline 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. ConclusionsOverall, 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.https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e72425 |
| spellingShingle | Steph Kershaw Jessica Deng Madeleine Keaveny Bronte Speirs Anna Grager Dara Sampson Kate Ross Nicola Newton Maree Teeson Frances Kay-Lambkin Cath Chapman 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 JMIR Formative Research |
| 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 |
| title_full | 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 |
| title_fullStr | 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 |
| title_full_unstemmed | 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 |
| title_short | 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 |
| title_sort | 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 |
| url | https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e72425 |
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