Problems with substance use are common in prisoners. Since most substances are still illegal in Canada, substance use problems can increase the risk for re-incarceration. Although research suggests that treatment may reduce these risks, they are still rarely used in correctional settings. This pilot study will examine the feasibility and usefulness of two digital treatments for substance use problems in individuals recently released from prison. The investigators will compare engagement across both treatments over a 6-month period, and assess the rates of substance use relapse and re-incarceration.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
BFO is a digital intervention for substance use problems and commonly co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Its structure is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. It is self-directed by the individual and can be done on a smartphone, tablet, or online. BFO provides techniques for cognitive restructuring (i.e., reshaping how we view certain situations) and managing and planning for high-risk situations (e.g., minimizing relapse in the face of certain triggers).
CBT4CBT is a digital intervention used for substance use problems through the application of CBT techniques. The program involves various video modules, educational games, quizzes, interactive videos, and more. The modules are self-paced and can be done online. Modules will focus on teaching users core skills to avoid substance use and ways of effectively communicating. It discusses various situations where potential triggers could arise, and homework done afterwards allows the user to identify their own personal triggers and individualize how they can minimize these risks.
The Salvation Army - Ellen Osler Home
Dundas, Ontario, Canada
The St. Leonard's Society Of Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Feasibility of Digital Treatment Interventions
Number of enrolled pilot trial participants, overall and by intervention.
Time frame: End of enrollment (~6 months)
Overall Substance Use Treatment Engagement
The number and percentage of modules, and homework modules, completed.
Time frame: End of enrollment (~6 months)
Perceived Treatment Utility
Mean module and overall treatment rating using a 4-question "Module Utility" scale created by the research team. This is an 11-point Likert scale (0-10) rating the importance, relevance, usefulness, and likeliness to recommend treatment, with higher scores indicating better utility.
Time frame: End of enrollment (~6 months)
Efficacy of Treatment Module Content
Treatment modules include quizzes with several true or false questions (5-10 questions per module) that assess individuals' understanding of the content learned. Overall performance on intervention quizzes in treatment modules will be examined using the total number of questions answered correctly, with higher scores indicating a better understanding of the treatment modules.
Time frame: End of enrollment (~6 months)
Efficacy of Digital Treatment Interventions for Substance Use
Substance use relapse documented by the CSC staff.
Time frame: Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
Efficacy of Digital Treatment Interventions for Recidivism
Institutional readmission documented by the CSC staff.
Time frame: Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
Between-Intervention Feasibility Outcomes
Comparing treatment utility ratings on the 4-question "Module Utility" questionnaire between interventions.
Time frame: End of enrollment (~6 months)
Between-Intervention Efficacy Outcomes for Substance Use
Comparing substance use relapse as documented by CSC staff between treatment groups.
Time frame: Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
Between-Intervention Efficacy Outcomes for Recidivism
Comparing institutional readmission as documented by CSC staff between treatment groups.
Time frame: Study follow-up (~3 months post-treatment completion)
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