“The Phone is my Lifeline”

Use of Mobile Phone Technology to Support Recovery among Individuals in Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Bibliographic Data

ID21645124
AuthorsAdam Viera (0000-0003-3248-0478, Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, corresponding author), Cecil Tengatenga (0000-0003-2029-773X, Yale University), E McBurney (Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA), J Lauckner (Substance Use Research Priority Area, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA), E Tran (Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA), Jessica L Muilenburg (Georgia College & State University), T Kershaw (0000-0002-3300-1355, Yale University), T S Kershaw (Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA), Carolyn Lauckner (0000-0001-5200-2946, University of Kentucky)
Year2023
Volume58
Issue11
Pages1360-1366
Publication date2023-09-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2023.2223265
PMID37331982
OpenAlexW4381114113
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited32

Background: People experiencing substance use disorders (SUD) face myriad challenges in maintaining changes in substance use after treatment. Mobile phones can play a role in supporting the recovery process. To date, research has not explored how individuals use mobile phones to seek social support as they enter SUD recovery. Objectives: We sought to understand how individuals in SUD treatment use mobile technology in support of their recovery. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with thirty individuals in treatment for any SUD in northeastern Georgia and southcentral Connecticut. Interviews explored participants’ attitudes toward mobile technology and how they used mobile technology while using substances, in treatment, and in recovery. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We identified three major themes related to how participants: (1) adapted their use of mobile technology as they entered recovery, (2) relied on mobile technology for social support while in recovery, while (3) some found aspects of mobile technology triggering. Many individuals in SUD treatment reported using mobile phones to buy or sell drugs; as such, they took measures to adapt their use of mobile technology as they changed substance use behaviors. As they entered recovery, individuals relied on mobile phones for affiliational, emotional, informational, and instrumental support, though some did share they found some aspects of mobile phones triggering. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of treatment providers engaging in conversations around mobile phone use to help individuals avoid triggers and connect with social supports. These findings uncover new opportunities for recovery support interventions utilizing mobile phones as a delivery mechanism

Internet privacy · Mobile device · Mobile phone · Mobile technology · Phone · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Sociology · Telecommunications · Thematic analysis · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

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Open DOIOpen Access