Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41800609›Full record

ArticleDrug and alcohol review2026

SMART Family and Friends Mutual-Help Groups: Findings From a Mixed-Methods Formative Implementation Evaluation.

Alison K Beck, Rebecca M Gray, Megan Wells, Frank P Deane, Briony Larance, Leanne Hides, Victoria Manning, Amanda L Baker, Anthony Shakeshaft, Elizabeth Dale and 2 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Drug and alcohol review, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Alison K BeckSchool of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-9031-2117
Rebecca M GraySchool of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
Megan WellsTasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-6925-3677
Frank P DeaneSchool of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
Briony LaranceSchool of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.ORCID 0000-0003-3800-7673
Leanne HidesNational Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-4550-8460
Victoria ManningEastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.ORCID 0000-0003-3908-5980
Amanda L BakerNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Anthony ShakeshaftUQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-5472-0930
Elizabeth DaleSchool of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.ORCID 0000-0002-0778-5571
Angela ArgentFormerly of SMART Recovery Australia, Sydney, Australia.
Peter J KellySchool of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.ORCID 0000-0003-0500-1865

Funding

Alcohol and Drug Foundation ISS R03
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionImproving support for people affected by another's substance use disorder (affected family members [AFM]) is a priority, but implementation is challenging. This mixed-methods evaluation assessed the perceived effectiveness of SMART Family and Friends training and applied the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to examine program implementation.

methodsN = 24 participants with professional or lived experience of supporting AFMs were recruited and trained to deliver groups. Training was evaluated using the Work Practice Questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews (n = 19) captured experiences of training and group delivery. Transcripts were analysed using iterative categorisation, informed by CFIR domains.

resultsParticipants felt equipped to deliver groups (M = 20.79, SD = 3.09) and found the training useful (M = 28.40, SD = 2.74) and relevant (M = 27.16, SD = 2.85). The approach, applicability and structure of the intervention (intervention characteristics) promoted engagement. Workplace characteristics influenced time and resources available to support implementation, with adequate staffing paramount (inner setting). Participants identified a clear need for the program, but practical and attitudinal barriers complicated engagement (outer setting). Lived experience promoted facilitator engagement and also raised wellbeing and training considerations (individual characteristics). Challenges associated with delivery modality and experiences facilitating groups (implementation process) were identified. DISCUSSION AND

conclusionsSMART Family and Friends has potential for scaled implementation by peers and providers within voluntary positions and those employed within existing AOD and community service programs, although service limitations and barriers around help-seeking may hinder delivery. Efforts to address training and infrastructure considerations, particularly among those with lived experience, are needed. Improved understanding of the support needs and preferences of AFMs is warranted.

Indexed as

FamilyFriendsSelf-Help GroupsSubstance-Related DisordersAdultFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedProgram EvaluationSocial Supportcaregiversfamilymutual‐helpSMART recoverysubstance use disorders

Identifiers

PMID41800609
PMCPMC12969542

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.