Breaking Barriers- An innovative online-based approach to the SUD problem.

Background:

The current model for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment lacks viable options and often fails to address major barriers to treatment including cost, stigma, accessibility and abstinence. About 10-15% of individuals who meet SUD criteria seek out or engage in treatment, leading to a substantial cost to society in both monetary and human terms with death rates associated with SUDs at an all-time high. This presentation presents the outcomes of an online SUD coaching and education program aimed at increasing engagement and retention in SUD treatment by addressing the four primary barriers, mentioned above, which are preventing individuals from seeking treatment. We present qualitative and quantitative data from the first year, including demographics, preliminary outcome results, and client satisfaction.

Program background:

We developed a 3 month online based treatment program that addresses the four main barriers to treatment for SUD individuals. The program was created to be affordable, easy to access, low in stigma due to its online nature and free of abstinence requirements for engagement. Instead, participants were educated and coached in mindfulness, CBT, and other related tools to improve their overall well being, subjective quality of life and SUD functioning.

Evaluation Methods and Results:

In order to evaluate the 126 individuals in our treatment program we used online tools to measure engagement and SUD change at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Individuals enrolled in the program range from age 18 to 74 years old. The majority of individuals are between 35 and 44 years old (36.51%), followed by individuals between 45 and 55 years old (21.43%). The majority in the program are female (70.63%). The primary problems include, alcohol dependency (61.11%), drugs including cocaine, meth, prescription sedatives, heroin, GHB, nicotine, ketamine, and stimulants (22.22%), sex (7.94%), food (5.56%), and marijuana (3.17%). In addition to their primary problem many also suffer from other issues including anxiety (72.22%), depression (63.49%), and motivation (59.52%). At baseline, individuals rated how bothered they were by their mental health struggles on a scale from 1-10 (10=very bothered). The modal response was 10 (26.19%; M = 6.75). Out of the 17 individuals who completed the satisfaction survey 58% said they were very satisfied with the program, 5.8% said they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and no participants reported being dissatisfied.

Conclusions:

Our 3 month online based program offers a novel and accessible solution to SUD individuals. By addressing the four main barriers to treatment the program is meant to serve as a model and a viable option to the 90% of SUD individuals who otherwise do not seek treatment. Our qualitative and quantitative data shows promising improvements for a variety of individuals seeking SUD treatment across substances/behaviors.

Implications for research and/or practice:

We can increase the number of individuals who seek and engage in SUD and mental health treatment by offering new and accessible program options. The current health care options are outdated and prevent 90% of people from seeking treatment. By reducing barriers our program can attract more individuals to engage in treatment and improve their health outcomes.