Background Smartphone apps promise to enhance the reach of evidence-based interventions (cognitive behavior therapy, contingency management and therapeutic education system) for populations with substance use disorders, with minimal disruption to health systems. However, further studies are needed to systematically evaluate smartphone apps targeting alcohol and illicit substances. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the functionality, aesthetics, and quality of information of free or low-cost apps claiming to target alcohol, benzodiazepine, cocaine, crack/cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and heroin use using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and critical content analysis. Methods A systematic search of iTunes and Google Play app stores for free or low-cost apps facilitating recovery was conducted in March 2018 and yielded 904 apps using the keywords described in previous studies (eg, recovery, sobriety, sober, alcohol, and heroin). An interdisciplinary team of clinicians, behavioral informatics, and public health reviewers trained in substance use disorders conducted a descriptive analysis of 74 apps categorized as reducing use. In addition to the MARS scale, a descriptive analysis of relevant apps was conducted by the study team to assess for quality indicators emphasized by expert guidelines and review articles. Results Most apps (n=74) claimed to reduce use or promote abstinence and yielded an overall low median MARS score of 2.82 (0.55) and a wide range of scores (1.64, 4.20). Ratings were also low for engagement (2.75 (0.72)), functionality (3.64 (0.78)), aesthetics (3.03 (0.87)), information (2.82 (0.62)), and satisfaction (1.76 (0.67)) subdomains. Innovative design and content features elicited in the review included initial assessments of substance use following app download, tracking substance use, and related consequences (eg, cost or calorie intake), remote and proximate peer support per geospatial positioning, and allowing users and family members of individuals with substance use disorders to locate 12-step meetings, treatment programs, and mental health services. Few apps integrated evidence-based psychotherapeutic (eg, cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT] or motivational interviewing) and pharmacologic interventions (eg, naloxone or buprenorphine). Conclusions Few commercially available apps yielded in our search integrated evidence-based interventions (eg, extended-release naltrexone, buprenorphine, naloxone, Self-Management and Recovery Training recovery, or CBT), and a concerning number of apps promoted harmful drinking and illicit substance use.

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Despite high rates of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who use drugs (PWUDs), access to the HCV care continuum combined with the receipt of medications for addiction treatment in primary care settings remains suboptimal. A qualitative study was conducted among adults admitted for inpatient detoxification for opioid use disorder (OUD) in New York City (n=23) to assess barriers and facilitators with HCV prevention, screening, treatment, interactions with primary care providers, and experiences with integrated care approaches. Study findings yielded six major themes related to HCV care. Major gaps persist in knowledge regarding HCV harm reduction strategies, voluntary HCV testing services, and eligibility for HCV treatment. Treatment coordination challenges reinforce the importance of enhancing linkages to HCV care in key access-points utilized by PWUDs (e.g., emergency rooms, specialty addiction treatment settings). Peer networks combined with frequent patient-physician communication were elicited as important factors in facilitating linkage to HCV care. Additional care coordination needs in primary care settings included access to integrated treatment of HCV and OUD, and administrative support for enrollment in Medicaid, subsidized housing, and access to transportation vouchers.

Background Engagement in the HIV care continuum combined with office-based opioid treatment remains a cornerstone in addressing the intertwined epidemics of opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV/AIDS. Factors influencing patient engagement with OUD and HIV care are complex and require further study. Methods In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted among 23 adult patients who use drugs (PWUD) in an inpatient detoxification program in New York City. The semi-structured interview guide elicited participant experiences with various phases of the HIV care continuum, including factors influencing access to HIV care, interactions with HIV and primary care providers, preferences around integrated care approaches for OUD and HIV, and barriers experienced beyond clinical settings which affected access to HIV care (e.g., insurance issues, transportation, cost, retrieving prescriptions from their pharmacy). Data collection and thematic analysis took place concurrently using an iterative process-based established qualitative research method. Results Respondents elicited high acceptability for integrated or co-located care for HIV and OUD in primary care. Factors influencing engagement in HIV care included (1) access to rapid point-of-care HIV testing and counseling services, (2) insurance coverage and costs related to HIV testing and receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART), (3) primary care providers offering HIV care and buprenorphine, (4) illicit ART sales to pharmacies, (5) disruption in supplies of ART following admissions to inpatient detoxification or residential treatment programs, (6) in-person and telephone contact with peer support networks and clinic staff, (7) stigma, and (8) access to administrative support in primary care to facilitate reengagement with care following relapse, behavioral health services, transportation vouchers, and relocation from subsidized housing exposing patients to actively using peers. Conclusion These findings suggest expanding clinical and administrative support in primary care for PWUDs with patient navigators, case managers, mobile health interventions, and peer support networks to promote linkage and retention in care.

Few studies have conducted analysis of commercially available smartphone applications designed to promote alcohol and illicit substance use. The aim of this review is to determine harmful themes of content in applications promoting alcohol and illicit substance use found using recovery app search terms. A systematic search, via Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, was conducted of applications targeting abstinence or reduced substance use in online app stores (n = 1,074 apps) in March 2018. We conducted a secondary analysis of apps encouraging alcohol and illicit substance use in July 2018. Our initial search yielded 904 apps pertaining to alcohol and illicit substance use. Four reviewers conducted a content analysis of 102 apps meeting inclusion criteria and assessed app design, delivery features, text, and multimedia content pertaining to substance use. The initial coding scheme was refined using a data-driven, iterative method grouping in thematic categories. The number of apps coded to a specific substance include: alcohol (n = 74), methamphetamine (n =13), cocaine (n = 15), heroin (n = 12), and marijuana (n = 15), with nine apps overlapping more than one substance. Key themes identified among apps included: (i) tangibility (alcohol home delivery services); (ii) social networks (builtin social media platforms promoting substance use); (iii) software design (gamification or simulation of substance use); and (iv) aesthetics (sexual or violent imagery). Despite claims of restricting apps promoting substance use, further efforts are needed by online app stores to reduce the availability of harmful content.