Multisystemic Therapy-Emerging Adults (MST-EA) for Substance Abuse
United States183 participantsStarted 2017-08-28
Plain-language summary
This study's purpose is to examine the effectiveness of a promising intervention for emerging adults (EAs) with alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse and justice involvement in achieving the ultimate outcome of reduced criminal activity. The study will also examine that effect on intermediate outcomes as follows: 1) reduced AOD use; 2) greater gainful activity (increased educational success, employment and housing stability; decreased antisocial peer involvement and relationship conflict); 3) and greater improvement in self-regulation (self-efficacy, goal directedness and responsibility taking). The intervention to be tested is Multisystemic Therapy-Emerging Adults (MST-EA). MST-EA is an adaptation of MST, a well-established, effective intervention for antisocial behavior in adolescents.
Who can participate
Age range
16 Years – 26 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 16 to 26 years
* Recent arrest or release from jail/prison/detention (within the past 18 months but excluding arrest for parole/probation violations)
* Presence of alcohol or drug (AOD) abuse disorder and recent AOD use (within the past 90 days)
* Able to reside in a stable community setting (not currently homeless, not currently in-patient; can include individuals ready for discharge to the community)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Actively psychotic, suicidal, or homicidal
* Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD) or mental retardation
* Sex offending as the primary offense type
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in number and severity of criminal charges in official records in the 16 months pre-Baseline compared with the 16 months post-Baseline.
Timeframe: 16 months pre-Baseline compared with 16 months post-Baseline.
2
Changes from Baseline scores compared to 16 months post-Baseline Offending Behaviors (measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 months).