Dahne J & Lejuez CW. (2015). Smartphone and mobile application utilization prior to and following treatment among individuals enrolled in residential substance abuse treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 58:95-99. PMCID: PMC4581950
Mobile interventions for substance use disorders rely on patients owning smartphones and using applications on their smartphones. Though smartphone ownership and mobile application usage had been assessed in the general population, mobile phone ownership and use among substance use patients has been addressed less. Two hundred and fifty-one substance use treatment patients completed a questionnaire assessing substance use history, psychopathology, and mobile phones ownership and usage. Most participants reported owning a smartphone and being able to send text messages with their phone. Of participants who owned a phone, most were smartphones and most smartphones could be used to access the internet and download mobile applications. The most commonly utilized phone plans were pay-as-you-go plans. SUD diagnosis was not predictive of smartphone ownership and usage and rates of ownership and use were similar to those in the general population of the United States. While younger and more educated participants were more likely to own mobile phones, a substantial portion of older and less educated participants reported owning mobile phones. Results suggest that smartphones and mobile applications can be valuable tools in treatment and after discharge for individuals receiving substance use treatment, especially for younger patients.