Clinical Report: Decreased Substance Use-Related Parenting Practices Following Engagement in a Digital Parenting Program

Overview

The Family Check-Up Online (FCU-O) program demonstrated a significant reduction in coping motivations for substance use among parents after completion of its substance use module. However, substance use-related parenting interference remained unchanged, indicating a need for further exploration of parenting outcomes.

Background

Substance use among parents poses significant risks to child development and effective parenting practices. With a substantial number of children living with caregivers who have substance use disorders, interventions like FCU-O are critical in addressing these challenges. Understanding the impact of such programs can inform future strategies aimed at supporting substance-involved parents.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Parents reported decreased coping motivations for substance use after completing the FCU-O module.
• No significant change was observed in substance use-related parenting interference post-intervention.
• Higher baseline substance use risk was associated with greater initial coping motivations and parenting interference.
• Longitudinal changes in coping motivations and parenting interference were not significantly moderated by baseline substance use risk.
• The findings support the potential of FCU-O to improve coping behaviors among substance-involved parents.

Clinical Implications

The results suggest that digital interventions like FCU-O may effectively reduce coping motivations for substance use among parents. However, the lack of change in parenting interference highlights the need for additional support strategies to address parenting practices.

Conclusion

The FCU-O program shows promise in reducing coping motivations related to substance use, but further research is necessary to enhance its effectiveness in improving overall parenting practices.

Related Resources & Content

1. American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, 2026 -- Providing Medical Care for Parents During the Pediatric Visit
2. Frontiers in Digital Health, 2026 -- Reductions in substance use-related parenting behaviors after participation in a digitally delivered parenting intervention
3. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Family Size and Longitudinal Outcomes of a Digital-Human Parenting Intervention in Chinese Preschool Families: Secondary Analysis
4. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Development and validation of a comprehensive prevention-focused intervention package for problematic digital technology use among youth: a multi-site study protocol
5. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — A Web-Based Intervention for Reducing Sexually Transmitted Infections and Substance Use During Pregnancy: Randomized Controlled Trial
6. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Fatherhood and addictive disorders: experiences and support needs – results of a qualitative interview study
7. Providing Medical Care for Parents During the Pediatric Visit: Policy Statement | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
8. Frontiers | Reductions in substance use-related parenting behaviors after participation in a digitally delivered parenting intervention