NCT05897164 · Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle, WA
Mobile Technology to Reduce Teen Substance Misuse
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to test the newly expanded WisePath for Teens (WPT) for substance use app, a direct-to-consumer paired mobile phone app for iOS and Android platforms that supports parents/guardians in delivering evidence-based techniques to reduce youth substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to test the newly expanded WisePath for Teens (WPT) for substance use app, a direct-to-consumer paired mobile phone app for iOS and Android platforms that supports parents/guardians in delivering evidence-based techniques to reduce youth substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems. This project will expand WPT for use with a general population of teens with problematic substance use and their parents to reduce substance abuse, its harmful effects, opioid overdoses, and progression to substance use disorders, as well as other behavioral health problems that are exacerbated by substance abuse and/or interfere with substance abuse treatment.
Interventions
OTHER
WisePath for Teens
WPT is a paired mobile phone app for use on both Android and iOS operating systems by youth experiencing SA and their parents/guardians.
BEHAVIORAL
Peer Support Services (PSS)
PSS are provided by people with lived experience with histories of adolescent substance abuse and are now in recovery who are also certified as peer support specialists. A specialist will virtually (e.g., over the phone, screensharing) meet with families regularly to provide support and ensure that families are able to use iKinnect-SA and access the app's features.
DEVICE
Control
Website with icon on participant's phone with Android or iOS operating systems.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Timeline Followback Method Assessment (TLFB)
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
The TLFB assesses use of alcohol and 13 different drugs over the past 30 days. It involves asking clients to retrospectively estimate their drug, marijuana or cigarette use.
Change in Global Assessment of Individual Needs-Q3 (GAIN)
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
Scales from GAIN specifically identify and address substance use frequency (3 items), substance problems (5 items), crime/violence (5 items), and recovery environment risk (9 items) and are well-validated for adolescents.
Change in Achenbach (Child/Adult) Behavior Checklist
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
A widely used 123-item caregiver report form used to assess youth behavioral and emotional problems.
Change in Family Environment Scale (FES)
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
A widely-used measure of family conflict (12 items) and cohesion (15 items).
Change in Parent-Adolescent Relationship Scale (PARS)
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
A 15-item reliable measure of parent-teen connectedness, hostility, and involvement.
Change in Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ)
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
A psychometrically sound measure of positive parenting (6 items), monitoring/supervision (10 items), and discipline consistency (6 items).
Change in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
A reliable 10-item measure to assess parents' overall stress in parenting over the past two weeks.
Change in Parent Locus of Control (PLC)
Time frame: Baseline (Time 1), 1-4 weeks (Time 2), 5-8 weeks (Time 3), and 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
A scale to measure parents' feelings of helplessness (10 items) and efficacy in dealing with parenting challenges (10 items).
App Satisfaction Survey
Time frame: 9-12 weeks (Time 4)
An 8-item survey used in EBPI's previous research and focuses on the app's ease of use and helpfulness on a five-point rating scale. The survey also captures an overall satisfaction rating for the app used on a 100-point scale.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Resides in United States
- 13-17 years of age
- Fluent in English
- Possesses and is the primary user of an Android or iPhone-based smartphone with a data plan that they use on a daily basis
- Currently residing in the same household with the linked caregiver/legal guardian participant at least five days a week
- Meets criteria for mild-moderate or severe SA (for any drug or alcohol) on the Screening to Brief Intervention (S2BI), indicated by answering that they have used any substance at least once per month within the past 90 days.
- Possesses and is the primary user of an Android or iPhone-based smartphone with a data plan Caregivers:
- Resides in United States
- 18 years or older
- Fluent in English
- Owns and is the primary user of an Android or iPhone-based smartphone with a data plan that they use on a daily basis
- Able and willing to receive and send several (1-3 times/week) text messages from study staff during study participation
- Is the primary caregiver of a youth aged 13-17 years who lives in the caregiver's home at least five days a week
- Caregiver indicates a substance concern for the target youth, defined as either a+b OR c:
- uses alcohol, marijuana, and/or another substance, AND
- expresses that they are concerned (a score of 3 or higher) about that use on a 5-pt Likert scale (3 = concerned, 4 = very concerned, 5 = extremely concerned). OR
- The target youth participated in counseling or another form of treatment (e.g., medication assisted treatment) because of a concern about alcohol, marijuana, or other substance use.
Exclusion criteria
- Participated in previous iKinnect or WisePath for Teens research in the past 2 years Caregivers:
- Participated in previous iKinnect or WisePath for Teens research in the past 2 years
- Currently involved with the child protective service system due to a concern about child maltreatment (i.e., abuse or neglect).
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
University of Maryland, Baltimore, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations