Location:  
VA-CT Healthcare Center (151D)
Yale University Psychosocial Substance Abuse Research Center
Building #35
950 Campbell Ave
West Haven, CT 06516
Telephone: (203) 937-3486

Contacts:

Michelle Altomare, B.A. (Research Assistant) 937-3486 X 7435

Kimberly Doyle, B.A. (Data Manager) 937-3486 X 7424

Francine Gibson, A. A. (Research Assistant) 937-3486 X 7421
Nancy Suchman, Ph.D. (Project Director) 937-3486 x 7430

Relational Parenting is completing the follow-up phase for mothers currently enrolled and will then be analyzing the results from the 5-year study.

Purpose: To develop a psychosocial intervention that will directly benefit drug-dependent mothers and indirectly benefit their children.

Target Population: Mothers with a child under 16 years of age who are currently enrolled in APT methadone maintenance are eligible to apply, The study accepts all interested mothers except for those with severe cognitive impairment or suicidal thinking that requires more intensive treatment.

Description of Group Treatments: Mothers eligible to participate are randomly assigned to one of two group interventions offered in addition to their standard treatment at each APT methadone clinic. One group focuses concurrently on helping mothers meet their own psychosocial needs while identifying and addressing the problems they are having as parents. The other group is an enhanced recovery intervention that provides extra support for mothers in the areas of abstinence, relapse prevention, and the promotion of drug-free lifestyles. Each group meets weekly for six months and all groups are closely supervised by a licensed psychologist.

Description of Study: After random assignment, mothers attend one of the group treatments described above and also meet once every two months with a member of the research staff who asks them questions about their psychosocial well-being, their relationships with their children, and their children's well-being. All mothers who have a child between 7 and 16 years of age will also be asked to bring a child to the research assessments. These children will also meet with research staff and be asked questions about how they are getting along at home and at school.

Expectations: Mothers are expected to attend group sessions and research interviews regularly, maintain their enrollment in the methadone program, and be working toward abstinence from illicit drug use. Even if they leave their group treatment or their methadone maintenance program, mothers are still encouraged to complete the research assessments.

Risks and Benefits: There are no serious risks associated with participation in this study. Mothers receive a weekly group treatment designed specifically for mothers with substance abuse problems that is closely supervised by a licensed psychologist; treatment is provided free. In the past, mothers who have participated in similar treatment have shown improvements in psychosocial well-being, parenting skills, and abstinence. Mothers also receive a total of $250 for completing all research assessments. Children who complete all research assessments receive $105 in cash or gift certificates. Licensed psychologists specializing in child and family problems are also available to provide consultations and referrals for family services at no cost to mothers and their children. Daycare and baby-sitting are available while mothers attend groups and meet with research staff. (Yale University School of Medicine HIC # 07365)

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Faculty:  

Suniya Luthar, Ph.D., (Principal Investigator)
Nancy Suchman, Ph.D., (Project Director)
Debra Boltas, Ph.D. (Clinical Supervisor)
Nancy Legow, Ph.D. (Clinical Supervisor)
Thomas McMahon, Ph.D. (Co-Investigator) 
Bruce Rounsaville, M.D. (Co-Investigator)
Karen D'Avanzo, Ph.D. (Consulting Psychologist)

Staff:  

Laurel Bidwell, M.S.W, (Research Assistant)
Francine Gibson, A, A, (Research Assistant)

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