Tofighi B, Grossman E, Bereket S, Lee JD. (2016). Text message content preferences to improve buprenorphine maintenance treatment in primary care. Journal of Addictive Diseases. 1-9. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2015.1127716
Researchers interviewed 97 patients of a New York buprenorphine program to examine acceptability of text messaging to support buprenorphine treatment and preferences for content of supportive text messages. Many participants were interested in receiving text messages for appointment reminders (90%), relapse prevention (90%), informational messages (76%), and supportive messages (70%). Participants reported that they would like to receive relapse prevention messages at the beginning (81%), middle (57%), and end (72%) of treatment. About two thirds of participants preferred to receive at least one message a week. Participants wanted to be able to use text messaging to connect with sober peers, receive support from clinicians, and receive information about services available to them. Participants also suggested that messages be personalized and not be repetitive. Participants felt that negative and judgmental text messages would be unhelpful in relapse prevention. Results highlight the acceptability of text message recovery support interventions to complement buprenorphine treatment and gives guidance for development of these interventions.