Abstract
ABSTRACT Virtual treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) has become common practice to support patients in achieving and sustaining their recovery. The knowledge base on the effectiveness of virtual treatment is growing; however, little is known about how SUD outcomes in virtual treatment compare to outcomes for patients receiving in-person treatment. This study used data from patients (n = 1164) receiving intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment throughout the United States. Findings suggest that there were no significant differences in outcomes among group 1 (patients receiving virtual treatment) and group 2 (patients receiving in-person or hybrid treatment). This is a promising finding because it demonstrates that one approach to SUD treatment is not superior over another, which further supports patients in choosing the format for treatment that works best for their lifestyle. At 6-month follow-up, patients in both groups reported abstinence at 69%, improvements in quality of life, and engagement in peer support groups and other recovery-oriented support systems. Implications for practice and future research are discussed, particularly around assessing the impact of virtual treatment for patients who have different severities in diagnosis (e.g. mild, moderate, and severe) and assessing changes in recovery capital based on treatment modality.
Published Version
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