Frontiers in Psychiatry (May 2024)

Evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile app-based self-guided psychological interventions to reduce relapse in substance use disorder: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

  • Anna Redeł,
  • Anna Redeł,
  • Alicja Anna Binkowska,
  • Alicja Anna Binkowska,
  • Katarzyna Obarska,
  • Katarzyna Obarska,
  • Przemysław Marcowski,
  • Karol Szymczak,
  • Karol Szymczak,
  • Karol Lewczuk,
  • Karol Lewczuk,
  • Katarzyna Solich,
  • Maria Banaszak,
  • Maria Banaszak,
  • Bohdan Woronowicz,
  • Bohdan Woronowicz,
  • Małgorzata Nowicka,
  • Maciej Skorko,
  • Maciej Skorko,
  • Mateusz Gola,
  • Mateusz Gola,
  • Maksymilian Bielecki,
  • Maksymilian Bielecki

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1335105
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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BackgroundSubstance Use Disorder (SUD) persists as a significant public health challenge worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 10-15% across the global populace. This condition is characterized by a notably high risk of lapses and relapses, even subsequent to treatment interventions. Mobile health interventions, owing to their widespread accessibility, emerge as a promising approach to diminish the risk of relapse post-treatment and to broaden the scope of care, especially in regions with a scarcity of trained medical professionals.MethodThis study is designed to assess the effectiveness of mobile interventions in mitigating cravings and preventing lapses among individuals diagnosed with SUD. Employing a two-armed, randomized controlled trial framework, the study will evaluate a self-administered psychological intervention delivered through a mobile application, Nałogometr 2.0. Over a period of three months, participants will engage with intervention modules that primarily incorporate mindfulness techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) will be utilized to gather longitudinal data on a range of variables that are indicative of craving intensity and the risk of lapse. In addition to this, a monthly-administered battery of questionnaires will be employed to gauge the severity of substance dependence, as well as to measure levels of anxiety, depression, and overall life satisfaction.ResultsResults will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier [NCT05730504].

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