Ecological Momentary Assessment and Ecological Momentary Interventions in Substance Use Disorders Recovery

INTRODUCTION: Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) can capture fluctuations in an individual’s recovery while minimizing recall bias by collecting real-time data in daily life. Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs) build on EMA to provide patients with timely, real-world support. This study aimed to familiarize practitioners with the m-Path app – a tool for delivering both EMA and EMIs – and to illustrate its acceptability through interviews with five patients who used it.

METHODS: In this study, five participants in recovery from substance use disorder tested the m-Path app for 31 consecutive days. The EMA was supplemented by simple EMIs, which were offered based on responses from the EMA or after being triggered by a participant. After the trial, semi-structured interviews explored their overall experience, including the number and timing of notifications and the app’s perceived usefulness. Qualitative data were analyzed using Directed Qualitative Content Analysis.

RESULTS: Overall, the app was perceived as useful for self-reflection and maintaining awareness during recovery, although engagement fluctuated over time. Participants indicated that three notifications per day were optimal; the time required to complete each EMA was acceptable. While the questions were seen as somewhat repetitive, several participants expressed an interest in there being a greater variety. The interventions offered were generally appreciated; however, many relied on previously learned coping strategies.

CONCLUSION: The qualitative evaluation suggests that a mobile app integrating EMA and EMIs can support post-treatment recovery by promoting self-awareness, emotional monitoring, and relapse prevention. While participants valued its simplicity and real-time prompts, the long-term impact is likely to depend on greater content diversity, personalization, and engaging intervention strategies.