Risk reduction for substance use and trauma-related psychopathology in adolescent sexual assault victims: findings from an open trial.

Limited attention has been paid to the development and evaluation of interventions that reduce risk for substance use, while also targeting trauma-related psychopathology among maltreated adolescents. Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT) is a multicomponent treatment that integrates principles and interventions from existing empirically supported treatments. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementation and initial efficacy of RRFT through an open pilot trial involving a small sample (N = 10) of female adolescents (aged 13-17 years) who had experienced at least one memorable sexual assault in their lifetime. Measures of substance use and substance use risk factors (e.g., family functioning), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression symptoms were assessed pre- and posttreatment as well as at 3-month and 6-month posttreatment follow-up assessments. Results demonstrated reductions in multiple areas, including substance use and related risk factors, PTSD, and depression symptoms, which were maintained through follow-up. Clinical implications and future directions with this line of research are discussed.