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Effectiveness and Safety of a Self-Management Program for Substance Addiction Consequences: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Paulo Seabra1, Rui Sequeira2, Ana Sequeira2
1Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), School of Nursing, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
Substance Use & Addiction Journal
|August 14, 2026
Summary
This pilot study found the Self-Management Substance Addiction Consequences Program (ADS Program) feasible and safe for adults in medication-based treatment. While both ADS and treatment as usual improved outcomes, further research is needed to confirm ADS effectiveness and retention.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Behavioral Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Harmful substance use presents significant health and social challenges requiring professional support and self-management strategies.
- Adults in medication-based addiction treatment programs often need targeted interventions to manage addiction consequences.
- This study piloted a novel self-management program for adults in medication-based treatment for alcohol or other drug use disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot the Self-Management Substance Addiction Consequences Program (ADS Program) in adults undergoing medication-based addiction treatment.
- To assess the feasibility, safety, and potential effectiveness of the ADS Program compared to treatment as usual (TAU).
- To identify necessary adjustments for the intervention and future trial designs.
Main Methods:
- A parallel-group pilot trial randomized 72 adults in medication-based treatment to either the ADS Program or TAU.
- Data on substance addiction consequences (SAC) and positive mental health (PMH) were collected at baseline and 8-21 weeks.
- Attrition rates, session attendance, and changes in SAC and PMH were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The ADS Program demonstrated a lower attrition rate (34.2%) compared to TAU (52%).
- Participants in both groups showed significant reductions in SAC and improvements in PMH.
- No statistically significant differences in SAC or PMH improvements were found between the ADS Program and TAU groups.
Conclusions:
- The ADS Program appears feasible, safe, and potentially effective for supporting self-management of substance addiction consequences.
- An adjusted program duration of 6 to 18 weeks may enhance benefits.
- Further research with larger samples is recommended to confirm effectiveness and improve participant retention.
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