Literature on Technology

Can you believe it’s already Week 9? We are almost done with my project, integrating mobile applications into the Foundations of Recovery rehabilitation program at the Veteran Affairs hospital. This week, I really wanted to focus on improving my own knowledge so I could continue to benefit the veterans. I dived into an in-depth literary analysis of many different studies centered around technological integration into programs like the one I am involved with currently. 

Sweeney et al.’s article Practical Technology for Expanding and Improving Substance Use Disorder Treatment in particular discusses the intersection of technology and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in the context of the US opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlight how telehealth, remote monitoring, and digital health interventions are becoming increasingly feasible and effective in addressing SUD treatment needs. These technologies not only increase access and acceptability of treatment but also have the potential to reduce health disparities among underserved populations.

Telehealth, facilitated by telecommunication technology like 2-way interactive video, has emerged as a vital tool, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows for remote delivery of services to individuals with SUD, overcoming barriers such as transportation limitations and childcare disruptions. Remote monitoring technologies, including wearable devices for breath alcohol concentration and biological fluid drug testing, enable frequent assessment of substance use without the need for in-person contact.

Digital health interventions, such as smartphone applications, offer innovative solutions by adapting evidence-based behavioral interventions like contingency management and cognitive behavioral therapy for streamlined implementation. These interventions not only complement traditional treatments but also cater to patients who may be unreachable or uninterested in conventional methods.

Despite the challenges and limitations associated with technology-based approaches, evolving policies and regulatory changes, spurred by the pandemic and the recognition of the underutilization of evidence-based treatments, are paving the way for their broader adoption and integration into SUD treatment protocols. As the field continues to evolve, future research, which is what I aspire to contribute to with this project, will focus on evaluating the generalizability and implementation models needed to realize the full potential of these innovative treatment delivery tools.