Profile of internet access in active cocaine users

Abstract

Background and Objectives Web-based interventions have received attention for substance abuse treatment. Few studies have examined Internet use among substance users. Methods Internet-use data were examined for 66 participants screened to participate in behavioral pharmacology studies. Results A majority of active cocaine users reported regular Internet use. Demographic profiles generally did not impact Internet use, but Internet users were more likely to be younger and report other drug use. Discussion and Conclusions Active cocaine users have similar rates of Internet access as the general population. Scientific Significance Our findings contribute to the limited data on Internet use in active drug users by demonstrating Internet access in cocaine-using populations, supporting the use of this medium to conduct research and clinical interventions.

Feasibility, acceptability, and validity of crowdsourcing for collecting longitudinal alcohol use data

“…This may be a particular concern for future studies in substanceusing populations that may be more transient and have unreliable Internet sources. Digital divides are still evident in access to the Internet and other technology, however, some research in substance-using populations does suggest that some of these divides may be closing (e.g., Cunningham, Selby, Kypri, & Humphreys, 2006;McClure, Acquavita, Harding, & Stitzer, 2013;Strickland, Wagner, Stoops, & Rush, 2015). A majority of participants also reported completing the baseline survey on a computer (93.2%) and a smaller percentage on a phone (4.0%) or tablet (2.9%).…”

Regulation of cocaine craving by cognitive strategies in an online sample of cocaine users.

“…balance sample diversity with generalization to the clinical condition (e.g., one third of individuals in the present study did not report behaviors indicative of a cocaine use disorder, perhaps limiting the impact of regulation of craving strategies for "nonproblematic" cocaine users). These factors, combined with the rising rates of Internet use among clinical and nonclinical populations, makes online crowdsourcing research a promising source for future pilot and basic laboratory research (Fox & Rainie, 2014;McClure, Acquavita, Harding, & Stitzer, 2013;Strickland, Wagner, Stoops, & Rush, 2015). Demonstrating craving regulation in active cocaine users provides converging evidence for the validity of ROC tasks as a model of CBT craving skills.…”

Leveraging crowdsourcing methods to collect qualitative data in addiction science: Narratives of non-medical prescription opioid, heroin, and fentanyl use

“…This exclusion would prove problematic for individuals with intermittent access to the Internet or difficulty in using e-banking reimbursement methods. Although some digital divides still exist, other work has also demonstrated increasing Internet and smartphone access, including among persons with current or past illicit substance use (e.g., McClure, Acquavita, Harding, & Stitzer, 2013;Strickland, Wagner, Stoops, & Rush, 2015;Tofighi, Abrantes, & Stein, 2018). The online setting also does not allow for direct contact with participants removing a possibility for clarification or direct follow-up questions.…”