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; Angela Argent; Peter J. Kelly

doi:10.1111/dar.70137

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

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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, …

Drug and Alcohol Review, Vol.45(3), pp.1-13

Mar-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70137

PMID: 41800609

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Abstract

caregivers

family

mutual‐help

SMART recovery

substance use disorders

Introduction Improving 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. Methods N = 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. Results Participants 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 Conclusions SMART 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.

Details

Title: SMART Family and Friends Mutual‐Help Groups: Findings From a Mixed‐Methods Formative Implementation Evaluation
Authors: Alison K. Beck (Corresponding Author) - University of Wollongong
Rebecca M. Gray - University of Wollongong
Megan Wells - University of Tasmania
Frank P. Deane - University of Wollongong
Briony Larance - University of Wollongong
Leanne Hides - The University of Queensland
Victoria Manning - Monash University
Amanda L. Baker - University of Newcastle Australia
Anthony Shakeshaft - The University of Queensland
Elizabeth Dale - University of Wollongong
Angela Argent - SMART Recovery Australia
Peter J. Kelly - University of Wollongong
Publication details: Drug and Alcohol Review, Vol.45(3), pp.1-13
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Date published: Mar-2026
DOI: 10.1111/dar.70137
ISSN: 1465-3362
PMID: 41800609
Copyright note: © 2026 The Author(s). Drug and Alcohol Review published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Data Availability: The data is not available as participants of the study did not give written consent for their data to be shared publicly.
Grant note: Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Grant Number: ISS R03
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991242153102621
Output Type: Journal article

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