Outcomes Of The Family Empowerment Program - An Online Therapy For Rural Australians Caring For Someone With A Substance Problem

This presentation will be featured at Indonesia 2025, on the 18.09.2025.

Author: Professor Julaine Allan - Rural Health Research Institute Charles Sturt University

Abstract:

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of The Family Empowerment Program- an online delivery of the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) intervention improving the psychological wellbeing and coping resources of Concerned Significant Others (CSOs) of people with substance problems and living in rural and remote Australia.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 126 participants allocated to either a CRAFT intervention group or a waitlist control. Psychological outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using four standardized measures: the Brief COPE (coping strategies), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Flourishing Scale (FS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). In addition to quantitative data, qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of CRAFT participants to explore their experiences of the program.

Results

Compared to the control group, CRAFT participants showed statistically significant improvements in depression, life satisfaction and problem focused coping strategies.

Thematic analysis of interviews revealed key benefits, including positive changes in ways of caring for self, improved communication skills, enhanced understanding of addiction, and positive changes in loved one’s substance use.

Implications

The combined quantitative and qualitative findings support CRAFT as a beneficial, evidence-based intervention for CSOs. The program has the potential to improve psychological outcomes and coping, and is well-suited for broader delivery in community and rural health settings.