Background: Substance use disorder research and practice have not yet taken advantage of emerging changes in communication patterns. While internet and social media use is widespread in the general population, little is known about how these mediums are used in substance use disorder treatment. Objective: The aims of this paper were to provide data on patients’ with substance use disorders mobile phone ownership rates, usage patterns on multiple digital platforms (social media, internet, computer, and mobile apps), and their interest in the use of these platforms to monitor personal recovery. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients in 4 intensive outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Logistic regressions were used to examine associations among variables. Results: Survey participants (N=259) were mostly male (72.9%, 188/259), African American (62.9%, 163/259), with annual incomes less than US $10,000 (62.5%, 161/259), and averaged 39 (SD 12.24) years of age. The vast majority of participants (93.8%, 243/259) owned a mobile phone and about 64.1% (166/259) owned a mobile phone with app capabilities, of which 85.1% (207/243) accessed the internet mainly through their mobile phone. There were no significant differences in age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status by computer usage, internet usage, number of times participants changed their phone, type of mobile phone contract, or whether participants had unlimited calling plans. The sample was grouped into 3 age groups (Millennials, Generation Xers, and Baby Boomers). The rates of having a social media account differed across these 3 age groups with significant differences between Baby Boomers and both Generation Xers and Millennials (P<.001 in each case among participants with a social media account most reported using it daily and nearly all used facebook. half of viewing content on that triggered substance cravings an equal percentage being exposed to recovery information media. there was significant difference rates reporting across the age groups baby boomers higher than millennials majority respondents said they would prefer use relapse prevention app their phone or receive sms message service text messages expressed interest receiving support by allowing accounts be monitored as technique. conclusions: our knowledge this is first largest study examining online behavior preferences regarding technology-based disorder treatment interventions population patients enrolled community outpatient programs. were generally receptive apps messaging substantial proportion supported surveillance tools. however design remains many have monthly telephone plans which may limit continuity.>
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