RecruitingInterventional

An evaluation of multidimensional therapy versus treatment as usual for young people, aged 10-17 years, who use drugs

Many adults who struggle with drug use started when they were young, and drugs can affect developing brains differently. This study, called an evaluation, is testing a new family-based therapy called Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) against the usual support services for young people. MDFT is used in other countries to help teenagers with drug use, mental health, and behaviour problems. We want to see if MDFT works better than current treatments in the UK. Young people aged 10-17 in Bristol and Newport who are referred to Barnardo's and have concerns about drug use can take part. Some will receive MDFT with a trained therapist and their family, while others will get standard care. Researchers will check in after 6 and 12 months to see how things have changed.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Kent

Enrolment target

400

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 May 2027

Substance use treatment for young people who offend or at risk of offending

What is this study about?

When people struggle with drug use, it often starts when they are teenagers. The teenage brain is still growing, so drugs can have a different and sometimes more serious impact than on adults. Drug use in young people can also lead to problems at school and an increased risk of accidents.

This study is looking at a therapy called Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT). It's a type of therapy that works with the young person and their family, and it's designed to help with problems like drug use, mental health issues, and difficult behaviour. MDFT is already used in many countries around the world, but it's not currently available in the UK. This research aims to find out if MDFT is more helpful for young people in the UK than the support services that are usually offered.

By comparing MDFT with standard care, the study hopes to find the best ways to help young people who are struggling with drug use, especially those who might also be at risk of getting into trouble. The goal is to provide better support and outcomes for them in the future.

Key takeaways

It's a study looking at new therapy for young people struggling with drug use.
It compares Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) with usual support services.
Aimed at 13-17 year olds in Bristol and Newport referred by Barnardo's.
Involves weekly therapy sessions (some with family) over 4-6 months, or standard care.
Researchers will check in at 6 and 12 months to see how you're doing.
The study runs from May 2025 to September 2028 and is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 13 and 17 years old who live in Bristol or Newport. You might be eligible if local professionals are worried about your drug use and you've been referred to Barnardo's Children's Services. You also need to have used alcohol or other substances at least four times in the past month.

Additionally, you might be considered if you have had some involvement with the police or youth justice services, or if there's a risk you might get into trouble. This could include things like having been away from school a lot, being a victim of violence, having been suspended from school, or having a family member involved in serious violence.

However, this study isn't suitable for everyone. You wouldn't be able to take part if you need urgent medical help for drug use, like needing to stay in hospital, or if you have a severe mental health condition that needs immediate specialist care.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged between 13 and 17 years old?
Do you live in Bristol or Newport?
Have you been referred to Barnardo's Children's Services due to concerns about drug use?
Have you used alcohol or other substances at least four times in the last month?
Are there concerns about you getting into trouble, or have you had contact with youth justice services?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, someone from Barnardo's will explain the study in more detail and give you an information sheet. If you're happy to continue, they will ask you some questions to understand your situation better. After this, a computer will randomly decide which type of support you will receive – it's a bit like flipping a coin, so it's fair.

Some young people will receive 'treatment as usual', which means they will be referred to their local drug and alcohol support service. Other young people will receive Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT). This involves weekly sessions with a specially trained therapist over about 4 to 6 months. Some of these sessions will include your family.

Six months and then again twelve months after you join the study, a researcher will contact you. They will ask you some questions to see how things have changed for you over time. This helps the researchers understand the effects of the different types of support. The whole study is expected to run from May 2025 to September 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

The people running this study have a lot of experience helping young people, and they don't expect you to come to any harm by taking part. MDFT has been used safely with many young people around the world, and the therapists are highly trained. A potential benefit of taking part is that you will receive support for your drug use, and it might be a new type of therapy not usually available in the UK. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Barnardos Childrens Service
City only
Bristol, England
Barnardos Childrens Service
City only
Newport, Wales

Common questions

What is MDFT?

MDFT stands for Multidimensional Family Therapy. It's a special type of therapy designed to help young people with drug use, mental health, and behaviour problems, involving both the young person and their family.

Who is running this study?

This study is a team effort involving Barnardo's children's centres in Bristol and Newport, and researchers from the University of Kent and Teesside University.

Will my family have to be involved?

If you're chosen for MDFT, some of your therapy sessions will include your family, as it's a family-based approach.

What if I don't want to continue after I start?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect any support you might receive outside the study.

What is 'treatment as usual'?

'Treatment as usual' means you would receive the standard support services for drug use that are currently available through your local services.

How to find out more

Andrew Divers

a.divers@tees.ac.uk +44 (0)1642 218121 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.