Smartphone-Based Interventions from UTA Aim to Reduce Alcohol and Cannabis Use in Young Adults
The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work is well known as a research hub which innovates alongside evolving technologies to find solutions to issues facing society. This Innovation continues through groundbreaking research into how new forms of intervention can support reductions in alcohol and cannabis use in young adults.
In a study led by and collaborated with UTA School of Social Work professors Dr. Melissa Lewis and Dr. Dana Litt, respectively, interventions are being conducted through a smartphone-based system to better meet young adults where they are in a more convenient and personalized way.
“We have conducted extensive research on personalized feedback interventions delivered both in person and through technology-based platforms. Across these approaches, effects typically persist for six to twelve months before fading,” said Lewis. “This study was designed to extend the impact of personalized feedback interventions by focusing on how to help people use protective behavioral strategies more effectively and more consistently when they drink or use cannabis.”
UTA School of Social Work professors, Dr. Dana Litt (Left) and Dr. Melissa Lewis (Right) pose for an official photo. (Photo by Doughlas Gutierrez)
Interventions can be a sensitive topic for many people, and addressing hard subjects can lead many to reject advice in regard to substance use. By interacting with young adults in new mediums, this study sought to find better ways to address and advise substance use in young adults.
“Many young adults prefer engaging through their phones rather than in person,” said Litt. “We listened to that preference and designed interventions to meet them where they are. Technology-based approaches allow us to reach more individuals consistently and efficiently, without the staffing constraints and costs associated with in-person programs. In practice, you cannot expect staff to call participants at 7 p.m., but technology can provide support whenever it is needed, not just during traditional business hours.”
To personalize the substance use program content, participants filled out surveys to identify concerns they were having in 14 areas, such as concerns with sleep, eating, mental health, legal, relationships, sex and more. If participants identified a concern in one of these areas, they were asked whether they believed the concern was linked to alcohol or cannabis use.
“We tried to make sure participants in the study were getting what they needed right away, based on their surveys,” said Lewis. “They’d receive text messages with tips and strategies on reducing use and/or consequences. To track the effect of these strategies, participants would fill out daily surveys.”
While participation and consent to receive text messages were voluntary, Lewis explained the importance of having participants interact with the smartphone-based intervention on their own terms was paramount.
“Throughout the study, we maintained a nonjudgmental approach,” said Litt. “Young adults respond best when they do not feel shamed or criticized. Our goal was to create an environment focused on motivation, supporting participants in making the changes they wanted and sustaining them.”
While Dr. Lewis and Dr. Litt have seen the potential of this new online-based intervention program, their aspirations have led them to plans for a larger study.
“So, this intervention was small to start, as we are just piloting it right now. However, we’ve applied for NIH funding to do a larger scale test,” said Lewis. “Ultimately, one of the goals is to have an intervention website available to everyone for free. We want to create this website and use these intervention strategies so that our community partners can refer anyone to it depending on need.”
For more information on this study, click here.