A new study from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) reveals that a smartphone app can significantly improve outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). The app, called WEconnect Health CM, combines contingency management (CM) behavioral therapy with peer recovery support, and when used alongside medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), demonstrated substantial benefits.
The research, published in *JAMA Network Open*, involved 600 uninsured or underinsured adults aged 18 and older. Participants were given the option of receiving MOUD alone or MOUD augmented with the app-based CM. Those who chose to use the app experienced a 35% reduction in days of opioid use compared to the MOUD-only group. Furthermore, app users remained engaged in treatment for nearly 19% longer, averaging 290.2 days compared to 236.1 days for the MOUD-only group. Specifically, the app users reported an average of 8.4 days of opioid use at the end of treatment, while the MOUD-only group reported 12 days.
Elise Marino, director of research operations at UT Health San Antonio’s Be Well Institute on Substance Use and Related Disorders, emphasized the potential of this approach, particularly for underserved populations. She noted that the findings “suggest that augmenting medication for opioid use disorder with app-based contingency management may provide clinical benefits for underserved patients.” The researchers believe that expanding access to app-based CM could significantly alleviate the substantial societal, economic, and personal burdens associated with opioid use. The study highlights the importance of patient choice and the potential of technology to enhance treatment effectiveness for OUD.