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Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) with treated alcoholics: methodological problems and potential solutions
M D Litt1, N L Cooney, P Morse
1Department of Behavioral Sciences and Community Health, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030, USA. litt@nso.uchc.edu
Summary
This study used Ecological Momentary Assessment to track alcohol relapse triggers in treated alcohol abusers. Findings suggest drinking urges and alcohol use were rare post-treatment, though methodological issues arose.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Relapse is a significant challenge in alcohol use disorder treatment.
- Understanding triggers in the natural environment is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess antecedents to alcohol relapse using Ecological Momentary Assessment.
- To determine the frequency of drinking urges post-treatment.
- To identify mood states and stimuli associated with drinking urges.
Main Methods:
- Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) employed with 27 treated alcohol abusers.
- Participants recorded urges, mood, situation, and alcohol use via record cards.
- Random daily prompts (8 per day) for 21 days post-discharge, prompted by a wrist watch.
Main Results:
- Excellent compliance with EMA procedures was observed.
- Occurrence of drinking and drinking urges was relatively rare.
- Methodological challenges were identified that may impact results.
Conclusions:
- Ecological Momentary Assessment can be utilized to study relapse in real-world settings.
- While urges were rare, methodological limitations warrant further investigation.
- Potential solutions for methodological issues are proposed for future research.