Leveraging a digital health intervention to improve recovery outcomes among people with substance misuse experiencing housing insecurity
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with substance use disorders (PwSUD) who experience housing insecurity have disproportionate overdose deaths. Digital interventions may improve care among PwSUD, but evidence specifically for housing-insecure PwSUD, who face unique barriers, remains limited. METHODS: We examined the efficacy of a mHealth tool (uMAT-R) among people who have misused substances and reported current housing insecurity. Substance use, cravings, access to basic needs, social disconnection, and digital literacy were assessed at baseline and 1 month and compared by uMAT-R use. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the efficacy of the intervention. RESULTS: Participants who logged into uMAT-R were less likely to report other non-opioid illicit drug use (aOR (95 %CI): 0.49(0.29, 0.85)). Similarly, those who messaged the e-coach were less likely to report using opioids (aOR(95 %CI): 0.39(0.21, 0.73)) or other illicit drugs (aOR (95 % CI): 0.53(0.30, 0.92)) during past 30-days. Significant interaction effects were found in uMAT-R use by time in cravings (Coef (95 %CI): -2.11(-4.07, -0.17)) and perceived burdensomeness (Coef(95 %CI): -2.62 (-4.91, -0.36)). Messaging an e-coach by time was significantly associated with improved health literacy (Coef (95 %CI): 0.61(0.05, 1.18)) and decreased thwarted belongingness (Coef(95 %CI): -0.36 (-0.71, -0.02). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings suggest that people who have misused substances and experience housing insecurity may benefit from uMAT-R, which was associated with improved recovery outcomes. Future research is needed to examine the unique barriers experienced by this population and how mHealth tools can be used to provide tailored, equitable access to supportive resources to reduce barriers and promote long-term recovery.
Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,380
Awards: G3652609152, mHealth to help pregnant and postpartum women in recovery for opioid use disorder, A digital intervention to decrease self-stigma among pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder, Transdisciplinary Training in Addictions Research, PRomoting Excellence through Pain and Addiction Research Enhancement (PREPARE)
OpenAlex ID: W7118077532