A Scoping Review of Programs to Support Families and Protect the Lives of Persons with Problematic Substance Use: Focus on Suicide and Overdose Prevention.

The issue of problematic substance use (PSU) affects not only the individual struggling with it but also their families. Despite this, there is a lack of information about programs that cater to the needs of these families, particularly those that aim to prevent overdose or suicide. To address this knowledge gap, a scoping review was conducted to examine programs for families concerned about an individual with problematic substance use (IPSU) since 2008. The review aimed to investigate the involvement of IPSUs in family programming, program goals, and whether these programs address concerns related to overdose or suicide risk. A total of 8149 articles were identified, and 86 articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. The review found that out of the 86 articles, 35 programs worked with families without involving the IPSU, while 41 programs involved both the family and the IPSU. Interestingly, the review revealed that programs rarely directly targeted suicide or overdose risk, with only one program focusing on suicide risk and two programs focusing on overdose risk. Many programs focused on improving outcomes for both the IPSU and their families, with common goals including increasing relationship quality and improving family cohesion. However, the review highlighted a significant shortage of programs that specifically focus on overdose and suicide prevention for families of IPSUs. To address this, the authors suggest conducting an environmental scan to identify programs that have been implemented beyond the pilot stage and are available in different communities. Disseminating knowledge about available services and their locations is crucial to direct individuals towards services that meet their needs. By doing so, families of IPSUs can access the support and resources they need to cope with the challenges associated with problematic substance use. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40448949/