An exploratory study of engagement in a technology-supported substance abuse intervention

TitleAn exploratory study of engagement in a technology-supported substance abuse intervention
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsVanDeMark, NR, Burrell, NR, LaMendola, WF, Hoich, CA, Berg, NP, Medina, E
JournalSubstance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy
Volume5
PublisherBioMed Central Limited
Place PublishedUnited Kingdom
Publication Languageeng
ISBN Number1747-597X
Accession Number2010-23451-001. First Author & Affiliation: VanDeMark, Nancy R.
KeywordsDrug Rehabilitation, E-TREAT intervention, evidence based practice, Evidence-based Practice, Intervention, motivational interviewing, Persuasion Therapy, persuasive technology, substance abuse intervention, Technology, technology-supported intervention, Therapeutic Environment, treatment setting
Abstract

Background: The continuing gap between the number of people requiring treatment for substance use disorders and those receiving treatment suggests the need to develop new approaches to service delivery. Meanwhile, the use of technology to provide counseling and support in the substance abuse field is exploding. Despite the increase in the use of technology in treatment, little is known about the impact of technology-supported interventions on access to services for substance use disorders. The E-TREAT intervention brings together the evidence-based practice of Motivational Interviewing and theories of Persuasive Technology to sustain clients' motivation to change substance use behaviors, provide support for change, and facilitate continuity across treatment settings. Methods: This study used descriptive statistics, tests of statistical significance, and logistic regression to explore the characteristics and perceptions of the first 157 people who agreed to participate in E-TREAT and the predictors of their active engagement in E-TREAT services. In addition, responses to open-ended questions about the participants' experiences with the intervention were analyzed. Results: The data reveal that clients who engaged in E-TREAT were more likely than those who did not engage to be female, have children and report a positive relationship with their recovery coach, and were less likely to have completed treatment for a substance use disorder in the past. A majority of people engaging in E-TREAT reported that it was helpful to talk with others with similar problems and that the program assisted them in developing a sense of community. Conclusions: The authors conclude that technology-assisted interventions hold promise in expanding access to treatment for substance use disorders especially for women and parents. Further, the characteristics of the relationship with a coach or helper may be critical to engagement in technology-supported interventions. Additional investigation into ways technology may be useful to enhance treatment access for certain subgroups is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

URLhttp://libproxy.unm.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2010-23451-001&login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=sitenancy.vandemark@du.eduhttp://www.substanceabusepolicy.com/content/pdf/1747-597x-5-10.pdf
Language: 
English
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