Evaluation of a family-oriented parenting intervention for methamphetamine-involved mothers and fathers – The SHIFT Parent Training

INTRODUCTION: A large number of people who use crystal methamphetamine in Germany are parents of young children. In the context of methamphetamine use, family situations and parenting are frequently impacted, and children are at risk of developing behavioral or emotional difficulties. SHIFT Parent Training was developed as a parenting intervention targeted specifically to the needs of methamphetamine-involved parents. The eight-session group training is delivered in substance use treatment settings and aims to foster abstinence and improve parenting skills and resilience within the families. METHODS: The primary goal of this pilot study was to assess the initial effectiveness and acceptance of the SHIFT intervention. The quasi-experimental study design included pre-, post- and 6-month follow-up measurements. Sixty-eight methamphetamine-involved parents participated in all stages of the study. Substance use, parenting practices, and family functioning and resilience were primary effectiveness outcome measures. Additionally, acceptance was assessed by participants' and professionals' feedback. RESULTS: Substance use problems were significantly lower in the intervention condition at the 6-month follow-up. Positive parenting of mothers and fathers also increased in the intervention group directly after participation. Both the intervention and control groups showed significant improvements in family functioning, parenting stress and children's behavioral issues. Participants and facilitators reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SHIFT Parent Training is an effective intervention and is well-accepted among parents and health professionals. The program improves relevant aspects of substance use-related issues and parenting and therefore poses a valuable addition to support services for methamphetamine-involved families.