Experiences with SCRAMx alcohol monitoring technology in 100 alcohol treatment outpatients

Abstract

<div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="S1"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d6735193e130">Background</h5> <p id="P2">Transdermal alcohol monitoring technology allows for new research on alcohol use disorders. This study assessed feasibility, acceptability, and adherence with this technology in the context of two clinical research trials. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="S2"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d6735193e135">Methods</h5> <p id="P3">Participants were the first 100 community-based alcohol treatment outpatients enrolled in randomized studies that monitored drinking with the secure continuous remote alcohol monitor (SCRAMx®) for 12 weeks. Study 1 participants were randomized to usual care ( <i>n</i>=36) or usual care with contingency management incentives for treatment attendance (CM-Att; <i>n</i>=30). Study 2 participants were randomized to usual care ( <i>n</i>=17) or usual care with CM for each day of no drinking per SCRAMx (CM-Abst; <i>n</i>=17). After 12 weeks, participants completed a survey about the bracelet. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="S3"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d6735193e152">Results</h5> <p id="P4">Nine percent of individuals screened (54 of 595) declined participation because of the bracelet. Of participants, 84% provided 12 weeks of data, and 96% of bracelets were returned fully intact. Ninety-four equipment tampers occurred, affecting 2% of monitoring days; 56% (67) of tampers coincided with detected drinking. Common concerns reported by participants were skin marks (58%), irritation (54%), and interfered with clothing choices (51%), but severity ratings were generally mild (60%-94%). Eighty-one percent of participants reported that the bracelet helped them reduce drinking, and 75% indicated that they would wear it for longer. A common suggestion for improvement was to reduce the size of the bracelet. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="S4"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d6735193e157">Conclusions</h5> <p id="P5">Results support the viability of transdermal monitoring in voluntary substance abuse treatment participants for an extended duration. Issues to consider for future applications of this technology are discussed. </p> </div>