Project STARTT
A Confidential Treatment-Research Program for Women with an Alcoholic or Problem Drinking Partner

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University at Buffalo

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What is Project STARTT?

Project STARTT is a special treatment-research program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study ways of helping women with an alcoholic or problem drinking partner. It is operated through the University at Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions (RIA).

What does the Project Offer?

Project STARTT offers a special, 8-week program that provides professional help to women faced with the problems of living with an alcoholic or problem drinking partner. Individuals with alcoholic or problem drinking partners can experience a high amount of stress. Project STARTT teaches new and alternative ways of dealing with the partner’s drinking. These new ways of coping are designed to reduce the woman’s stress and may help motivate the partner to do something about his drinking.

Who can be seen in Project STARTT?

The program sees women who are at least 18 years old and living with a problem drinking partner who is actively drinking and not receiving help. Other eligibility requirements also apply.

What is the program like?

The program is provided in small, intimate groups of up to six women. All the women have a common background of having an alcoholic or problem drinking partner. A group meets once each week for 2 hours over the 8-week treatment program. Group participants are encouraged to share their experiences and are taught alternative ways of viewing and responding to the problems brought on by their partner’s drinking.

When do the groups meet?

Weekday, weeknight, and weekend groups are available.

Who are the treatment staff?

All groups are led by a professionally trained, credentialed therapist, with special training in the problems of women living with a problem drinking partner.

How much does it cost?

The program is offered free of charge.

Does a woman’s partner have to know she is participating?

No. The program is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. The program staff has no contact with the partner.

What is the research part of the program?

To participate in the program, interested individuals must voluntarily consent to involvement in the research part of the Project. The research requires extra meeting times for research assessments before, at the end of the program and over the course of the 12 months following the program.

Do participants get paid for their research participation?

Yes. Participants may earn up to $300 for their participation in research assessments over the course of the study.

How soon can someone get in?

Women expressing interest are scheduled for an initial appointment to discuss the program and learn whether it is right for them. An additional research appointment also is required for those agreeing to participate. A group starts when there are sufficient numbers of participants available to start a group.

How do you get into the program?

Women interested in seeking help through Project STARTT should call 887-2255 (toll-free: 1-877-843-3328), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday through Friday, or use the Secure Contact Form on this web site to provide a first name and phone number where they can be reached. Program staff will conduct a brief interview on the phone and, if appropriate, schedule an initial appointment as soon as possible.

Location

At the current time, groups are available at the Research Institute on Addictions, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The Institute is centrally located on Main Street between Goodrich and North Street, and is convenient to the Allen-Medical Campus Station of the Metro Rail.
Map and directions to RIA

Parking

Reimbursement is available for (non-metered) parking fees during daytime working hours. Free parking is available during evening and weekend times. Reimbursement for bus and metro rail fares also is available.