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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Nov-Dec;45(5):434-42.
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2013.847995.

A cognitive behavioral therapy-based text messaging intervention for methamphetamine dependence

Victoria Keoleian  1 , S Alex Stalcup  2 , Douglas L Polcin  3 , Michelle Brown  2 , Gantt Galloway  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A cognitive behavioral therapy-based text messaging intervention for methamphetamine dependence

Victoria Keoleian et al. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2013 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Psychosocial treatments for methamphetamine dependence are of limited effectiveness. Thus, a significant need exists for add-on therapy for this substance user disorder. The aim of this study was to develop and test a novel text messaging intervention for use as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral group therapy for methamphetamine users. Text messaging has the potential to support patients in real-time, around the clock. We convened two meetings of an expert panel, held three focus groups in current and former users, and conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with in-treatment users in order to develop a fully automated, cognitive behavioral therapy-based text messaging intervention. We then conducted a randomized, crossover pre-test in five users seeking treatment. Participants' ratings of ease of use and functionality of the system were high. During the pre-test, we performed real-time assessments via text messaging on daily methamphetamine use, craving levels, and the perceived usefulness of messages; 79% of scheduled assessments were collected. The odds of messages being rated as "very" or "extremely" useful were 6.6 times (95% CI: 2.2, 19.4) higher in the active vs. placebo periods. The intervention is now ready for testing in randomized clinical trials.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pre-test Study Schematic
Figure 2
Figure 2
CONSORT Flowchart of Pre-test Participants
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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