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[Mobile phone applications for addiction treatment]
Louise Penzenstadler1, Gabriel Thorens1,2, Silke Bachmann1,3
1Service d'addictologie, Département de psychiatrie, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, 1211 Genève 14.
Revue Medicale Suisse
|June 9, 2022
Summary
Mobile phone apps, when used with standard addiction treatment, significantly boost effectiveness. Patients using these digital tools showed greater reductions in substance use compared to traditional methods alone.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Substance use disorders represent a significant public health challenge.
- Integrating technology into treatment offers novel avenues for patient support.
- Mobile phone applications are increasingly explored as adjuncts to traditional addiction therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on mobile phone applications used adjunctively in addiction treatment.
- To assess the impact of these applications on treatment outcomes, specifically consumption reduction.
- To identify the features and functionalities of mobile applications employed in addiction recovery.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted, focusing on studies where mobile applications were combined with standard addiction treatment.
- Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
- Data on application features and treatment outcomes were extracted and synthesized.
Main Results:
- The reviewed applications provided tools for information, monitoring, motivation, and relapse prevention.
- Two applications offered specialized psychotherapeutic support.
- A majority of studies reported reduced consumption, with greater reductions observed in patients utilizing mobile applications.
Conclusions:
- The combination of mobile phone applications with standard addiction treatment appears to enhance treatment efficacy.
- Smartphone applications show promise in increasing the effectiveness of addiction treatment, particularly in reducing substance consumption.
- Digital health tools offer a valuable supplementary approach to managing addiction.
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