Design and Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Relapse Prevention to Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Abstract

Background: As a cheap and affordable tool, smartphones technology has provided an opportunity for effective treatment of addiction and relapse prevention. Objectives: This study aimed to design and evaluate a mobile application for relapse prevention to methamphetamine use disorder. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in two stages in 2018. Initially, the features of Marlatt's cognitive-behavioral model were studied. The conceptual model of the application was then developed according to identifying the users' needs and features of the Marlatt's model and based on object-oriented analysis. The coding was performed using Java Script, CSS, and HTML. After developing the application and its installation in an addiction recovery center, the application was quantitatively evaluated with the participation of five experts in psychology and addiction studies and five patients. Results: The main requirements of the software were identified in the form of a daily plan for recovery (learning and training materials, relaxation), motivation (motivational messages and encouragement for continuous use of the software), and evaluation of the recovery process. The results of the evaluation showed that 89% of the participants were satisfied with the software usability. Conclusions: The prevention of relapse to substance use disorders, such as methamphetamine, requires motivation and education. Design and deployment of mobile-based application could be a cost-effective approach for recovery of a variety of addictive behaviors and the follow up of recovery.