weekly dilemmas pertaining to areas of critical relapse, including well-being (negative moods or stress), confidence, substance use and recovery behaviors. Automated feedback texts with inspirational/motivational, positive appraisal and tips on dealing with stress were immediately sent after the subjects replied to the monitoring texts. Text messages asking participants how many days in the past week they felt stressed, and urging them to think about good things in their life and write them down were examples of text messages aimed at monitoring and helping participants cope with stress.
Additionally, participants were sent daily reminders via text message with recovery advice beginning with, “Today’s a new day in your recovery, think about the change you’re working towards…[wellness tip].”
The researchers concluded that aftercare using mobile texting intervention assisted and continued positive results at six and nine months post-intervention for adolescents in substance abuse treatment.
Author: Cesar Gamboa
Cesar Gamboa is a staff reporter and editor for Addiction Now covering topics ranging from legislation to scientific studies. He was previously a general assignment reporter for the Orange County Register. SoCal raised, lover of books, and avid mountain biker (when he wants to be). He can be reached at cesarg@addictionnow.com.
