Can a smartphone app can help reduce opioid use?

A study by UT Health San Antonio has shown that a smartphone app, used alongside medication, significantly reduces opioid use and helps retain patients in treatment. The research involved 600 underserved patients, demonstrating a 35% reduction in opioid use for those who used the app with their medication compared to medication alone.

The app, developed by WEconnect Health CM, offers a flexible recovery framework, allowing users to access support at any time, whether day or night. It includes features like daily goal setting related to substance use or personal life, providing patients more control over their recovery process.

Key medications used in the study, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, are recognized as evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder. Pairing these with the app not only reduced substance use but also improved treatment retention. Staying in treatment longer is critical for successful recovery, according to Elise Marino, PhD, director of research operations at UT Health San Antonio’s Be Well Institute.

The app continues to be offered to patients, providing a supportive and stigma-free approach to their recovery journey. The findings underscore the potential of technology in enhancing traditional treatment methods for opioid use disorder.

Source: NPR