Internet recovery for substance abuse and alcoholism: an exploratory study of service users

The Internet provides accessible, available, and affordable services for a variety of personal health issues. Use of Internet-based support tools for personal recovery from substance abuse, alcoholism, and mental illness is not new; however, several factors appear to have stalled investigation of the use of these tools in the prevention, outreach, support, recovery, and aftercare for those affected by substance abuse and/or alcoholism. This study was undertaken to begin the process of identifying Internet recovery services (IRS) and describing users of these services. Basic demographic and program affiliation data were obtained via an Internet survey utilizing conservative methodology. An obtained sample of more than 1000 surveys yielded a usable data analysis sample of 928, indicating the widespread use of IRS and diversity of service users, which includes all ethnic groups and age levels within the United States, using more than 70 different recovery programs and services. Future research needs are discussed.