mHealth App as an Aftercare Resource for Relapse Prevention Post AOD Residential Rehabilitation
Tracks
Diamond Ballroom I: In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
| 1:25 PM - 1:45 PM |
Overview
Melinda Symon, Hader Clinic Queensland Private
Presenter
Ms Melinda Symon
Director
Hader Clinic Queensland Private
mhealth App as an Aftercare Resource for Relapse Prevention Post Aod Residential Rehabilitation
Abstract
Excessive and dependent use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) constitutes one of the leading public health problems in Australia today. Treatment for AOD is varied and is influenced by such factors as primary drug of choice, stage of life, gender, ethnicity, history of trauma, mental health, including any formal diagnosis, family dynamics and social factors. AOD addiction is classified as a ‘chronic relapsing disease’ and shows high rates of treatment attrition, weak systems of continuing care and a resulting high rate of problem recurrence following treatment discharge.
Empirically validated research on mHealth technologies is in its infancy, but preliminary reports suggest that technologies such as recovery apps have the potential to sustain high levels of utilisation, reduce alcohol and drug use, increase days of abstinence and continued abstinence, support positive mental health through mindfulness and CBT, and enhance overall quality of life.
The primary aim of this research study was to design, develop, and evaluate the effectiveness of a digital aftercare tool, the HaderCare App, for relapse prevention among individuals who had successfully completed residential rehabilitation for alcohol and other drug addiction. Specifically, the study sought to assess whether the app could serve as a valuable supplement to traditional aftercare services in reducing relapse rates and supporting long-term recovery for individuals’ post-rehabilitation.
Participants in the study were drawn from the Hader Clinic Queensland, a residential rehabilitation program that offers 60- and 90-day treatment plans for those recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The study involved two distinct groups:
• Group A consisted of 80 participants who had completed the HCQ residential rehabilitation program and were provided access to the HaderCare App as an additional tool for aftercare support.
• Group B, also with 80 participants, had similarly completed the HCQ program but received only the standard treatment for aftercare.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Effectiveness of an app to support AOD aftercare for relapse prevention
2. Greater management of triggers and cravings
3. Improved mental wellbeing around depression, anxiety and stress measured through DASS 21 and K10
Empirically validated research on mHealth technologies is in its infancy, but preliminary reports suggest that technologies such as recovery apps have the potential to sustain high levels of utilisation, reduce alcohol and drug use, increase days of abstinence and continued abstinence, support positive mental health through mindfulness and CBT, and enhance overall quality of life.
The primary aim of this research study was to design, develop, and evaluate the effectiveness of a digital aftercare tool, the HaderCare App, for relapse prevention among individuals who had successfully completed residential rehabilitation for alcohol and other drug addiction. Specifically, the study sought to assess whether the app could serve as a valuable supplement to traditional aftercare services in reducing relapse rates and supporting long-term recovery for individuals’ post-rehabilitation.
Participants in the study were drawn from the Hader Clinic Queensland, a residential rehabilitation program that offers 60- and 90-day treatment plans for those recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The study involved two distinct groups:
• Group A consisted of 80 participants who had completed the HCQ residential rehabilitation program and were provided access to the HaderCare App as an additional tool for aftercare support.
• Group B, also with 80 participants, had similarly completed the HCQ program but received only the standard treatment for aftercare.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Effectiveness of an app to support AOD aftercare for relapse prevention
2. Greater management of triggers and cravings
3. Improved mental wellbeing around depression, anxiety and stress measured through DASS 21 and K10
Biography
Melinda Symon is the Director of Hader Queensland Group since 2016, comprising of a 25 bed Private AOD detox Hospital and 30 bed residential AOD facility and program. Melinda has completed PHD from Faculty of Medicine at University of QLD in app based addiction treatment programs.
