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Blyth SH, Cowie K, Jurinsky J, Hennessy EA. A qualitative examination of social identity and stigma among adolescents recovering from alcohol or drug use. Addict Behav Rep 2023; 18:100505. [PMID: 37415909 PMCID: PMC10319988 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders are stigmatized conditions, but little is known about youth's experience of this stigma, which may threaten their developing social identity and recovery process. This study investigates youth's perceptions of AOD use-related stigma in the context of their social identity. Methods This study uses data from 12 youth (ages 17-19) who were in recovery from problematic AOD use. Participants completed a Social Identity Mapping in Addiction Recovery (SIM-AR) exercise, in which they created a visual map of their social groups, and semi-structured interview, in which participants were asked about their experience creating their SIM-AR and reflections on their social network. SIM-AR data were descriptively analyzed, and interviews were thematically analyzed for instances of stigma. Results Using stigmatizing terminology, participants expressed some stigmatizing attitudes towards themselves and others in their network who used substances and perceived both positive and negative reactions from those who knew about their disorder. Findings suggest that youth may experience some internalized stigma and perceive stigma from others in their social networks, which may be a barrier to the development of a healthy social identity and engagement in recovery supports. Conclusions These findings should be considered when seeking to engage youth in treatment and recovery programming. Despite the small sample, the findings suggest the importance of considering how stigma may influence adolescents' treatment and recovery experience in the context of their social environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kiefer Cowie
- The Wright Institute Clinical Psychology Program, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Jordan Jurinsky
- Vanderbilt University, Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Nashville, TN 37203-5721, USA
| | - Emily A. Hennessy
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Psychiatry, Recovery Research Institute, 151 Merrimac Road, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA
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Schoenberger SF, Park TW, dellaBitta V, Hadland SE, Bagley SM. "My Life Isn't Defined by Substance Use": Recovery Perspectives Among Young Adults with Substance Use Disorder. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:816-822. [PMID: 34100229 PMCID: PMC8904703 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While substance use disorder remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for young adults, low rates of treatment engagement and retention persist. One explanation is that substance use disorder treatment approaches do not match young adults' expectations for recovery. While the concept of recovery has been explored among adult populations, less is known about how young adults think about recovery. OBJECTIVE To describe perspectives of recovery among young adults with substance use disorder. DESIGN Qualitative, in-depth interviews exploring young adults' definitions of recovery. PARTICIPANTS Twenty English-speaking young adults (7 women; 21-29 years old) diagnosed with substance use disorder recruited from an urban safety net hospital in Massachusetts. APPROACH Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An iterative categorization analytic approach was used to identify and interpret themes. KEY RESULTS Four themes related to recovery were identified. First, young adults described recovery as a way to grow up and live a normal life not defined by the substance use. A second theme was recovery had to include multiple components, such as mental health treatment, to be successful. Third, young adults described recovery as a self-motivated process, and it was important that young adults had agency in recovery decision-making. Fourth, recovery was described as a lifelong pursuit that required vigilance and commitment. CONCLUSIONS In this qualitative study of young adults with substance use disorder, participants identified themes that have implications for treatment models. Participants recognized recovery as a complex and individually motivated process that includes multiple components such as mental health treatment and re-engagement in regular daily activities. Models of care for young adults should consider incorporating these treatment elements to improve engagement and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha F Schoenberger
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Tae Woo Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vanessa dellaBitta
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott E Hadland
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah M Bagley
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Nash AJ. The Twelve Steps and Adolescent Recovery: A Concise Review. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2020; 14:1178221820904397. [PMID: 32071541 PMCID: PMC6997953 DOI: 10.1177/1178221820904397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recovery and long-term remission are the goals of treatment for substance use disorders, yet the majority of treated adolescents never stop using or resume using substances quickly after treatment. Thus, continuing care or recovery support services are common post-treatment recommendations for this group. Almost half of people who resolved significant substance use problems did so through participation in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These recovery support programs are available online and in communities around the world. Yet <2% of these programs' members are under 21 years old. To help clinicians understand the 12-step explanatory model and facilitate clinical decision making on whether or when to refer individuals to these groups, this article summarizes the 12-step philosophy and practices and provides a concise review of research on adolescents' involvement in 12-step groups, including qualitative work that illuminates adolescents' reasons for resisting or engaging in 12-step practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela J Nash
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Myers B, Johnson K, Lucas W, Govender R, Manderscheid R, Williams PP, Koch JR. South African service users' perceptions of patient-reported outcome and experience measures for adolescent substance use treatment: A qualitative study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2019; 38:823-830. [PMID: 31659815 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and experience measures (PREM) for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment exist for adults but have unknown relevance for adolescents. This study aimed to explore adolescents' perceptions of effective SUD treatment and possible barriers to completing PROMs and PREMs to guide efforts to adapt the South African Addiction Treatment Services Assessment (SAATSA) for adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS Five focus groups were conducted with 38 adolescent service users recruited from residential and outpatient SUD treatment facilities in South Africa. Group discussions explored perceptions of treatment components necessary for desired SUD treatment outcomes, treatment experiences that support engagement in care, and perceptions of PROM and PREM completion. RESULTS Participants viewed treatment elements that enhance motivation for change, coping and emotional regulation; provide recreational alternatives to substance use; and improve family relationships and home environments as critical to positive treatment outcomes. They reflected that provider characteristics and developmentally and culturally appropriate services facilitated engagement in treatment. PROM and PREM completion seemed acceptable, with participants suggesting ways to enhance their appeal. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Findings confirm that adult-oriented PROMs and PREMs require adaptation for adolescents. Service user inputs identified ways to expand the content of the SAATSA to better reflect adolescents' treatment priorities. These inputs have also guided changes to item formulation and administration procedures to enhance the SAATSA's acceptability for adolescents. Ensuring the SAATSA addresses treatment outcomes and experiences that matter to adolescents is vital for generating information to guide improvements to adolescent SUD services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kim Johnson
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Warren Lucas
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rajen Govender
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Violence Injury and Peace Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ron Manderscheid
- National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, Washington, USA
| | - Petal Petersen Williams
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J Randy Koch
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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Gonzales-Castaneda R, McKay JR, Steinberg J, Winters KC, Yu CH(A, Valdovinos IC, Casillas JM, McCarthy KC. Testing mediational processes of substance use relapse among youth who participated in a mobile texting aftercare project. Subst Abus 2019; 43:1-12. [PMID: 31638878 PMCID: PMC7174140 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1671941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this paper is to advance the understanding of mechanisms of action involved in behavioral-driven aftercare interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) among youth populations. This paper reports data from a study that measured the impact of an aftercare intervention on primary substance use relapse among youth who completed treatment in Los Angeles County for SUDs. The aftercare intervention, Project ESQYIR-Educating and Supporting inQuisitive Youth In Recovery, utilized text messaging to monitor relapse and recovery processes, provide feedback, reminders, support, and education among youth from SUD specialty settings during the initial 3-month period following treatment completion. Method: Mediational modeling informed by Baron and Kenny was used to examine the extent to which select recovery processes including participation in extracurricular activities and self-help, were impacted by the texting intervention, and if such processes helped sustain recovery and prevent primary substance use relapse. The data come from a two-group randomized controlled pilot study testing the initial efficacy of a mobile health texting aftercare intervention among 80 youth (Mage= 20.7, SD = 3.5, range: 14-26 years) who volunteered to participate after completing SUD treatment between 2012 and 2013. Results: Among the two recovery processes examined in the mediational modeling, only involvement in extracurricular activities mediated the effects of the texting aftercare intervention on reductions in primary substance use relapse; not self-help participation. Conclusion: Findings from this pilot study offer greater understanding about potential recovery-related mechanisms of action of mobile aftercare interventions. Mobile texting was found to promote increased engagement in recovery-related behaviors such as participation in extracurricular activities, which mediated the effects of the mobile aftercare intervention on decreasing primary substance use relapse. Findings suggest mobile approaches may be effective for increasing adherence to a wide-array of recovery behavioral regiments among youth populations challenged by complex behavioral issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gonzales-Castaneda
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA
- Azusa Pacific University, Psychology Department, Azusa, CA
| | - James R. McKay
- University of Pennsylvania, Center on the Continuum of Care in the Addictions, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jane Steinberg
- Azusa Pacific University, Psychology Department, Azusa, CA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Obong'o CO, Alexander AC, Chavan PP, Dillon PJ, Kedia SK. Choosing to Live or Die: Online Narratives of Recovering from Methamphetamine Abuse. J Psychoactive Drugs 2016; 49:52-58. [PMID: 27938305 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2016.1262085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to explore motivating factors for recovering from methamphetamine abuse. The source of data was 202 anonymous letters and stories submitted to an online support platform for methamphetamine users. Qualitative data were analyzed in Dedoose software using grounded theory methodology. Ten primary motivating factors for recovering from methamphetamine abuse were identified and mapped onto four constructs from the Health Belief Model: (1) perceived susceptibility (learning from others and learning from self); (2) perceived severity (fear of death and declining health); (3) perceived benefits (reconnecting with family, reconnecting with society, and recovering self-esteem); and (4) cues to action (hitting rock bottom, finding God, and becoming pregnant). By using data from an online support group and categorizing emerging themes within a theoretical framework, findings from this study provide a comprehensive understanding of factors involved in recovery from methamphetamine abuse and offer further insights in developing theoretically informed interventions for methamphetamine users. This study suggests the utility of online platforms for obtaining anonymous but unique experiences about drug abuse and recovery. Findings may benefit healthcare professionals, counselors, and researchers by helping to develop theoretically informed interventions for methamphetamine abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher O Obong'o
- a Graduate Assistant, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Adam C Alexander
- a Graduate Assistant, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Prachi P Chavan
- b Graduate Assistant, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Environmental Health, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Patrick J Dillon
- c Assistant Professor, School of Communication Studies , Kent State University , North Canton , OH , USA
| | - Satish K Kedia
- d Professor, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Memphis , Memphis , TN , USA
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Hoffmann L, Schumann N, Fankhaenel T, Thiel C, Klement A, Richter M. Methamphetamine use in Central Germany: protocol for a qualitative study exploring requirements and challenges in healthcare from the professionals' perspective. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e011445. [PMID: 27256092 PMCID: PMC4893851 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The synthetic drug methamphetamine with its high addiction potential is associated with substantial adverse health effects. In Germany, especially Central Germany, the increase in the consumption of methamphetamine has exceeded that of other illegal drugs. The treatment system and service providers are facing new challenges due to this rise in consumption. This qualitative study will explore the demand created by the increasing healthcare needs of methamphetamine-addicted persons in Central Germany, and the difficulty of rehabilitating addicted people. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The collection of empirical data will take place in a consecutive, two-stage process. In the first part of data collection, the experiences and perspectives of 40 professionals from numerous healthcare sectors for methamphetamine-addicted persons will be explored with the help of semistructured face-to-face interviews and probed by the research team. These findings will be discussed in 2 focus groups consisting of the participants of the face-to-face interviews; these group discussions comprise the second part of the data collection process. The interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed, and then subjected to qualitative content analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION All interviewees will receive comprehensive written information about the study, and sign a declaration of consent prior to the interview. The study will comply rigorously with data protection legislation. The research team has obtained the approval of the Ethical Review Committee at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. The results of the study will be published in high-quality, peer-reviewed international journals, presented at several congresses and used to design follow-up research projects. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER VfD_METH_MD_15_003600.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hoffmann
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Nadine Schumann
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Thomas Fankhaenel
- Section of General Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Carolin Thiel
- Section of General Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Andreas Klement
- Section of General Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Matthias Richter
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Pretreatment drug use characteristics and experiences among patients in a voluntary substance abuse treatment center in Malaysia: A mixed-methods approach. Subst Abus 2016; 37:542-549. [PMID: 26914230 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2016.1146648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use in Malaysia remains a significant public health and social problem despite implementation of harsh punitive drug policies such as forcibly placing suspected drug users into compulsory drug detention centers (CDDCs). Following criticism over human right violations in CDDCs, Malaysia has begun to transition towards voluntary drug treatment centers known as Cure & Care (C&C) centers. To best serve the needs of regional C&C centers, data on drug use are essential among patients accessing treatment. Using a mixed-methods approach, the authors examined pretreatment drug use characteristics and experiences with addiction treatment among C&C patients in Kelantan-a religiously conservative state in northeast Malaysia with high prevalence of drug use but where limited data are available on drug use patterns. METHODS A mixed-methods study utilizing surveys (n = 96) and semistructured interviews (n = 20) was conducted among a convenience sample of inpatients and outpatients at the Pengkalan Chepa C&C Center in Kelantan. RESULTS Survey results showed that 89.6% of participants met screening criteria for moderate to severe addiction severity. Nearly 90% reported lifetime illicit amphetamine (syabu, meth, ice, and pil kuda) use, followed by alcohol (60.4%) and opioids (52.1%). Qualitative results pointed to the powerful influence of peer networks in drug initiation and relapse, and the positive effect of the C&C center on drug rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS The drug use profile of the Kelantan C&C center enrollees shows extensive pretreatment amphetamine use, polysubstance use, and injection drug use, including high-risk behaviors such as sharing needles, syringes, and containers. Evidence points to the need for integration of social support-oriented practices and behavioral interventions into the rehabilitation of drug users in this region.
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Gonzales R, Hernandez M, Murphy DA, Ang A. Youth recovery outcomes at 6 and 9 months following participation in a mobile texting recovery support aftercare pilot study. Am J Addict 2016; 25:62-8. [PMID: 26689171 PMCID: PMC4966532 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We examined youth recovery outcomes at 6- and 9-months post-participation in an aftercare pilot study called Educating and Supporting inQuisitive Youth in Recovery (ESQYIR) that aimed to investigate the utility of a 12-week mobile texting recovery support intervention. METHODS A total of 80 youth [Mage 20.4 (SD = 3.5)] were randomized to a mobile texting aftercare intervention or an aftercare-as-usual control group. Both groups received identical data collection protocols with psychosocial and behavioral assessments occurring at baseline, during the trial (months 1 and 2), at discharge from the trial (month 3), and 3-, 6-, and 9-month post-intervention follow-ups. RESULTS Mixed modeling showed that youth who participated in the mobile texting aftercare intervention were less likely to test positive for their primary drug compared to youth in the aftercare-as-usual condition during 6- and 9-months follow-ups (p < .01). Additionally, youth in the aftercare intervention reported significantly higher self-efficacy/confidence to abstain during recovery (p < .05) and were more likely to participate in recovery-related behaviors (self-help and goal-directed extracurricular activities; p < .05) than those in aftercare-as-usual at the 6- and 9-month follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that delivering a structured, behavioral-based wellness aftercare intervention using mobile texting can be an effective for sustaining recovery outcomes in youth over time compared to youth who receive aftercare-as-usual. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that a mobile-texting aftercare intervention sustained effects at 6- and 9-months post-intervention for young people in substance use recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gonzales
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA
- Azusa Pacific University, Psychology Department, Azusa, CA
| | | | - Debra A. Murphy
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Alfonso Ang
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA
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Gonzales R, Hernandez M, Douglas SB, Yu CH. Exploring the Factor Structure of a Recovery Assessment Measure among Substance-Abusing Youth. J Psychoactive Drugs 2015; 47:187-96. [PMID: 26134600 PMCID: PMC4732567 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2015.1053556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To date, the measurement of recovery in the field of substance abuse is limited. Youth recovery from substance abuse is an important area to consider, given the complexities of such issues. The Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) has been validated with mental health patient populations; however, its measurement characteristics have not been examined for individuals in substance abuse treatment. The current study explored the factor structure of the RAS with a sample of 80 substance-abusing youth who participated in a pilot aftercare study (Mage 20.5, SD=3.5; 71.3% male). Reliability analysis showed an internal consistency of α=.90 for the entire RAS measure among the youth sample. Results of exploratory factor analysis identified the following four factors: personal determination, skills for recovery, self-control in recovery, and social support/moving beyond recovery among the substance-abusing youth sample. The RAS also demonstrated sound convergent and divergent validity in comparison to other validated measures of functioning, sobriety, and well-being. Collectively, results support that the RAS has adequate psychometric properties for measuring recovery among substance-abusing youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gonzales
- a Associate Professor, Psychology Department , Azusa Pacific University , Azusa , CA
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Gonzales R, Ang A, Murphy DA, Glik DC, Anglin MD. Substance use recovery outcomes among a cohort of youth participating in a mobile-based texting aftercare pilot program. J Subst Abuse Treat 2014; 47:20-6. [PMID: 24629885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Project ESQYIR (Educating & Supporting Inquisitive Youth in Recovery) is a pilot study examining the feasibility of a 12-week mobile-based aftercare intervention for youth (ages 12 to 24) transitioning out of community-based substance abuse treatment programs. From January 2012 through July 2013, a total of 80 youth were recruited from outpatient and residential treatment programs, geographically dispersed throughout Los Angeles County, California. Results revealed that youth who participated in the texting mobile pilot intervention were significantly less likely to relapse to their primary compared to the aftercare as usual control condition (OR=0.52, p=0.002) over time (from baseline throughout the 12-week aftercare pilot program to a 90-day follow-up). Participants in the texting aftercare pilot program also reported significantly less substance use problem severity (β=-0.46, p=0.03) and were more likely to participate in extracurricular recovery behaviors (β=1.63, p=0.03) compared to participants in the standard aftercare group. Collectively, findings from this pilot aftercare study suggest that mobile texting could provide a feasible way to engage youth in recovery after substance abuse treatment to aid with reducing relapse and promoting lifestyle behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gonzales
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA; Azusa Pacific University, Psychology Department, Azusa, CA.
| | - Alfonso Ang
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Debra A Murphy
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Deborah C Glik
- University of California at Los Angeles, School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA
| | - M Douglas Anglin
- University of California at Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Los Angeles, CA
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