A Therapeutic Relational Agent for Reducing Problematic Substance Use (Woebot): Development and Usability Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Misuse of substances is common, can be serious and costly to society, and often goes untreated due to barriers to accessing care. Woebot is a mental health digital solution informed by cognitive behavioral therapy and built upon an artificial intelligence-driven platform to deliver tailored content to users. In a previous 2-week randomized controlled trial, Woebot alleviated depressive symptoms.

Objective

This study aims to adapt Woebot for the treatment of substance use disorders (W-SUDs) and examine its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy.

Methods

American adults (aged 18-65 years) who screened positive for substance misuse without major health contraindications were recruited from online sources and flyers and enrolled between March 27 a

SUBMITTER: Prochaska JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8074987 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature