Computer-based recovery support for patients receiving residential treatment for alcohol/drug dependence: relationship between program use and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This analysis of administrative data examined whether use of a Web-based recovery support program was related to self-reported post-treatment alcohol use among patients attending residential treatment for a substance use disorder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The program delivered individually tailored clinical content in a multimedia format over the initial 18 months after discharge from treatment. Post-treatment logins to the program and access of clinical content were measured, as was post-treatment alcohol use.

RESULTS

Use of the program was frequent in the first 30 days following treatment but steadily decreased over time. Regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between the number of program logins and self-reported alcohol use in the first 6 months following treatment when controlling for other covariates related to alcohol use.

CONCLUSION

These results replicate a previous study of the My Ongoing Recovery Experience (MORE(®)) program (Hazelden, Center City, MN) and suggest that computerized support programs hold therapeutic potential for patients with alcohol/drug dependence.