A pilot outcomes evaluation for computer assisted therapy for substance misuse -- an evaluation of Breaking Free Online

Sarah, Elison; Humphreys, Lloyd G.; Ward, Jonathan; Davies, Glyn

doi:10.3109/14659891.2013.804605

Cited by 18 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Therefore, Breaking Free Online (BFO), a new CAT intervention for problem alcohol consumption, has been developed in the UK to enable people to access a fuller range of intervention techniques for alcohol dependence than are available in the existing CAT-based alcohol interventions. The BFO program has been demonstrated in pilot evaluations to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption and severity of alcohol dependence, and also common comorbid mental health problems such as depression and anxiety (Elison et al, 2013;Elison et al, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such interventions may also help to overcome barriers such as the shame and stigma that are sometimes associated with attending more visible, traditional alcohol treatment services (Marks, Cavanagh, & Gega, 2007), and can also ensure that access is confidential and that anonymity is assured. Moreover, access to treatment can potentially be widened to those who may ordinarily find it difficult to attend standard services, such as those with childcare responsibilities or work commitments, those living in rural locations and those with limited mobility, including people with disabilities (Elison, Humphreys, Ward, & Davies, 2013;Moore, Fazzino, Garnet, Cutter, & Barry, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An Outcomes Evaluation of Computerized Treatment for Problem Drinking using Breaking Free Online

Elison¹,

Davies²,

Ward³

2015

Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly

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Online alcohol screening interventions have been developed to address the significant public health and economic costs of alcohol consumption. However, none of these allow access to an extended range of intervention techniques. Therefore, a new online intervention has been developed, Breaking Free Online (BFO), that allows access to a wider range of intervention techniques. This study was an outcomes evaluation examining effectiveness of BFO with 300 service users seeking support for alcohol misuse. Participants completed an online assessment of alcohol consumption and dependence, depression, anxiety and quality of life, and then completed the same assessment following a period of engagement with BFO. Significant reductions were seen in alcohol consumption and dependence, depression and anxiety, and a significant increase in quality of life. This initial outcomes data indicates that BFO delivered as an E-BI may be an effective and cost-effective intervention for treatment of alcohol misuse.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Outcomes Evaluation of Computerized Treatment for Problem Drinking using Breaking Free Online

Elison¹,

Davies²,

Ward³

2015

Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly

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“…Whilst the programme is not aimed at HDUs, it can be tailored to the specific needs of individuals and followed by those working on their own or with support from a mentor (http://www.breakingfreeonline.com). Evaluations of BFO's ability to reduce drug and alcohol use are currently being conducted separately by other researchers (Elison, Humphreys, Ward, & Davies, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of computer-assisted therapy by homeless drug users living in hostels: An explorative qualitative study

Neale¹,

Stevenson

2013

Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy

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Aims: To explore the use of computer-assisted therapy (CAT) by homeless drug users (HDUs) living in hostels in order to assess the likely acceptability of online treatment for this population. Methods: Repeat semi-structured interviews with 30 HDUs (25 men; 5 women) who agreed to participate in a 12-week mentor-assisted online drug treatment programme: Breaking Free Online (BFO). Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using Framework. Findings: Prior to the first BFO session, HDUs' hopes and goals were seldom confined to reducing their drug consumption. Most described broader recovery and wellbeing aims, and many wanted BFO to improve their computing skills. Nearly all participants expressed positive feelings about the programme after both their first and last session, with clients highlighting BFO's accessibility, flexibility, interactive capabilities and user-friendly interface. Negative comments related to structural barriers that prevented the programme from being used as intended. After the last BFO session, only four clients reported reduced substance use, but other personal, psychological, educational and social benefits were identified. Conclusions: There is potential for using CAT programmes, such as BFO, with HDUs living in hostels. However, evaluations might need to assess a range of recovery indicators in order to gauge any evidence of treatment success.

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“…The programme has recently been introduced throughout a number of prisons in the North West of England, and is based on a programme previously developed for community settings, for which there is now a growing evidencebase Elison et al, 2013;Elison et al, 2014b;Elison et al, 2014a;Elison et al, 2015aElison et al, , 2015bHogan et al, 2015). The programme incorporates evidence-based techniques taken from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) (Beck et al, 2001;Beck, 2011) alongside 'mindfulness' approaches (Marlatt et al, 2008;Marlatt et al, 2010), and is appropriate for individuals with substance misuse difficulties and those who are dually diagnosed Elison et al, 2013;Elison et al, 2014a;Elison et al, 2014b;Elison et al, 2015a).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Qualitative Exploration of U.K. Prisoners’ Experiences of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Difficulties, and the Breaking Free Health and Justice Interventions

Elison¹,

Weston

Dugdale³

et al. 2016

Journal of Drug Issues

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A pilot outcomes evaluation for computer assisted therapy for substance misuse -- an evaluation of Breaking Free Online

Cited by 18 publications

References 18 publications

An Outcomes Evaluation of Computerized Treatment for Problem Drinking using Breaking Free Online

An Outcomes Evaluation of Computerized Treatment for Problem Drinking using Breaking Free Online

The use of computer-assisted therapy by homeless drug users living in hostels: An explorative qualitative study

A Qualitative Exploration of U.K. Prisoners’ Experiences of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Difficulties, and the Breaking Free Health and Justice Interventions

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