Back to Search Start Over

"Becoming myself": how participants in a longitudinal substance use disorder recovery study experienced receiving continuous feedback on their results.

Authors :
Svendsen TS
Bjornestad J
Slyngstad TE
McKay JR
Skaalevik AW
Veseth M
Moltu C
Nesvaag S
Source :
Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy [Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy] 2020 Jan 23; Vol. 15 (1), pp. 8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jan 23.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Background: Being a participant in longitudinal follow-up studies is not commonly a factor considered when investigating useful self-change aspects for individuals attempting recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). This study reports on how ongoing monitoring, and feedback on data results in a longitudinal follow-up study of SUD recovery were perceived by individuals who had achieved long-term abstinence and social recovery.<br />Methods: Interviewers with first-hand experience with the topic conducted interviews with 30 participants and analysed the data using a thematic analytic approach within an interpretative-phenomenological framework.<br />Results: Analyses resulted in the following themes. 1) Ongoing short text messaging (SMS) monitoring: helped participants by offering recovery milestones and reminders of the past. 2) Feedback on data results helped participants track physical and cognitive recovery: "I am more like myself". 3) Using feedback in treatment: understanding the importance of a functional brain to participants may help with long-term retention in treatment.<br />Conclusions: Self-changes that were challenging to detect on a day-to-day basis were available for reflection through longitudinal study participation, including ongoing monitoring and feedback on the results, allowing personal consolidation of change processes. Clinical services could benefit from continuing development and implementation of such technology for ongoing monitoring and feedback on assessments to motivate self-change in SUD recovery. The development of guidelines for providing the results of research assessments to individuals could help reduce attrition in research projects and support recovery and healthy choices for study participants.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1747-597X
Volume :
15
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
31973763
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-020-0254-x