iMStrong: Deployment of a Biosensor System to Detect Cocaine Use

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Behavioral Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Biosensor systems are gaining traction for behavioral interventions.
• Portable biosensors can improve upon self-report methods in drug treatment programs.
• Real-time physiological monitoring offers enhanced detection and intervention capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of wearable biosensors in detecting cocaine use.
• To compare biosensor detection with traditional methods like self-report and urine screening.
• To assess participant acceptability and compliance with biosensor use in a drug treatment setting.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen participants in drug treatment programs wore a biosensor wristband for 30 days.
• Biosensors monitored physiological markers of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) arousal (EDA, skin temperature, motion).
• Parameter trajectory description identified abrupt changes in SNS activity; drug use events were verified using biosensor data, urine tests, and self-reports.

Main Results:

• Biosensor data identified distinct episodes of cocaine use based on physiological changes.
• Eleven potential cocaine use episodes detected by biosensors were missed by self-report and/or urine screening.
• Participants found the mobile biosensors acceptable, with high protocol compliance.

Conclusions:

• Biosensor analysis detected cocaine use via supraphysiologic biophysiometric changes when self-report or drug screening failed.
• Wearable biosensors show significant potential for detecting substance abuse in real-time.
• This technology can aid in understanding substance use context and evaluating behavioral intervention efficacy.