Outside of research with adolescents, there is a relative dearth of research on how to effectively leverage and support relationships between people with addiction and their loved ones to improve treatment navigation, engagement and recovery outcomes.
As a result, this NOFOs purpose is to address
this crucial research gap by supporting studies to improve engagement of support persons.
This initiative would support pragmatic trials focused on scalable, sustainable adaptations to existing EBPs and service delivery frameworks that emphasize enhancing engagement of loved ones and support persons, thereby strengthening recovery capital and increasing the likelihood of stable recovery.
Approaches of interest include testing adaptations or new interventions that:
1) reduce stigma toward addiction and MOUD among support persons; 2) provide assistance to support persons in navigating care options for their loved one; 3) formally engage support persons in services; 4) leverage support persons as lay interventionists; and 5) enhance well-being and coping skills among support persons.