Mobile Phone Application Support in Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation (SHINE)

The Institute has evaluated a system on trial in Darlington in which patients in drug rehabilitation are provided with mobile phones by which they can receive tailored supportive messages and that they can use to seek help. A study has also been undertaken of the same mobile phone application being used in five alcohol rehabilitation services in Greater Manchester. The reports from both projects demonstrate that, when in use, this system can give important support to people in recovery but the organisational issues associated with the adoption of the technology can be significant obstacles to the successful use of the application.