Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Aims: To identify and recruit online treatment seekers and examine their recovery behavior and its relationship to gender over a period of six months. No longitudinal assessment of possible changes in such behaviors has been published to date and no examination of such behaviors has taken place specifically for those seeking treatment online. Methods: Online treatment seekers were recruited through an online SUD treatment finder after completing online screening, followed by eligibility determination and an online informed consent. Participants were then emailed links to online assessments, delivered via Survey Monkey, to be completed within 24 hours of initial screening and again at one-week, one-month, and six- months following initial screening. Results: Forty participants were recruited, presenting broad variability in gender (Female=60%), age (M=32, SD=8.6), and geography (10 States represented). Reported drug avoidance activities differed significantly between males and females at baseline, but follow up assessments provided evidence of convergence in drug avoidance. Additional differences based on reported treatment-entry and past treatment experience were found. Conclusions: Females initially reported participating in more drug avoidance activities than males. The reasons for this are unknown and need to be explored further. After initial treatment search males reported increased avoidance activities, as did females (and to a greater extent). Individual case studies on the thought process people (male and female) make while trying to avoid drugs could help elucidate our understanding of why females report more initial recovery-supportive behavior

Biography

Will Strahl is working on his Ph.D. and he is participating in this online study to gain research experience to finish his Ph.D. He is working with Dr. Adi Jaffe on the project to complete his goal.