Implementation and Evaluation of a Text Message-Based Addiction Counseling Program (Text4Hope-Addiction Support):...

Area of Science:

• Digital mental health interventions
• Addiction medicine
• Public health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for in-person addiction counseling.
• Text messaging offers a feasible, evidence-based solution for remote mental health support.
• The Text4Hope-Addiction Support program utilizes daily text messages for individuals with substance use disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the Text4Hope-Addiction Support program.
• To assess the program's impact on reducing cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
• To identify demographic factors associated with these symptoms and intervention outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous online questionnaires assess cravings (Brief Substance Craving Scale), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9).
• Data collection occurs at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.
• Analysis includes parametric and nonparametric techniques for primary outcomes and usage metrics.

Main Results:

• Data collection is ongoing, with completion expected by Fall 2021.
• Primary outcomes include cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
• Metrics of use and user satisfaction will be analyzed.

Conclusions:

• The Text4Hope-Addiction Support project will yield data on symptom prevalence and demographic correlates in individuals with substance use disorders.
• Findings will inform addiction care practitioners and policy regarding population-level interventions during emergencies.
• This study evaluates a scalable, accessible intervention for addiction support.