The Engaging Loved Ones Workgroup focuses on multiple topics related to systematically incorporating concerned significant others (CSOs) in substance use disorder (SUD) services across the prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction spectrum.

Its overarching scientific aims are to support the development and testing of strategies for engaging CSOs in services and to increase adoption and implementation of evidence-based strategies in field settings. Its major foci include: assessing core domains of social recovery capital, client connectedness with CSOs and other social networks, and CSO availability and readiness to participate in SUD services; using CSO-anchored engagement strategies to increase client enrollment and retention in SUD services; reducing stigma and increasing education among CSOs of clients with SUD; involving CSOs in routine intervention planning and other service activities to support client gains and long-term well-being; and directly supporting CSOs by linking them to digital and in-person interventions designed to bolster their capacity to support affected loved ones and increase self-care.

Workgroup products include scientific articles, conference presentations, intervention protocols and other practice guides, and grant applications. More senior scientists avail mentorship in this understudied area to early career scholars.

This workgroup meets bi-monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 2-3p ET. Come join us!