Identifying risk factors for drug use recurrence with ecological momentary assessment, wearable technologies, and machine learning: a feasibility trial of peer recovery support specialist intervention - Report - MDSpire

Identifying risk factors for drug use recurrence with ecological momentary assessment, wearable technologies, and machine learning: a feasibility trial of peer recovery support specialist intervention

  • By

  • James J. Mahoney III

  • Victor S. Finomore

  • Jennifer L. Marton

  • Lucinda J. England

  • Sara McFoy

  • Danielle Romanoff

  • Jad Ramadan

  • Anahita Zarei

  • Amer Mahyoub

  • Jessie Crooks

  • James H. Berry

  • Steven D. Shirk

  • Manish Ranjan

  • Ali R. Rezai

  • July 3, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Predictive Factors for Drug Use Recurrence via EMA and PRSS

Overview

This feasibility study investigates the use of wearable devices and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to predict drug use recurrence (DUR) and the role of peer recovery support specialists (PRSS) in response to alerts.

Background

Substance use disorders (SUD) affect millions, with high relapse rates posing significant health risks, including overdose. Identifying predictors of relapse in real-time can facilitate timely interventions.

Data Highlights

ParticipantsPRSS Intervention ArmStandard of Care Arm
1082637
Average Call Attempts∼20N/A
Significant Decrease in Anxietyp < 0.001N/A
Significant Decrease in Maximum Cravingp = 0.011N/A

Key Findings

  • 229 participants were enrolled, with 108 providing data for analysis.
  • Participants were monitored for 90 days before randomization to either PRSS or standard care.
  • The PRSS intervention resulted in significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression.
  • PRSS made an average of 20 call attempts per participant based on alerts.
  • Patient compliance and data attrition were identified as challenges for future studies.

Clinical Implications

The study suggests that wearable devices and EMA can effectively predict risk factors for drug use recurrence. PRSS interventions may provide valuable support during high-risk periods, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

This feasibility study demonstrates the potential of integrating wearable technology and PRSS in managing substance use disorders, highlighting areas for further research and optimization.

Related Resources & Content

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  5. Peer Support Workers for Those in Recovery | SAMHSA
  6. Supporting and Financing Peer Services | SAMHSA Library
  7. Opioid Overdose: Evidence-Based Resources | SAMHSA
  8. The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
  9. Population-level individualized prospective prediction of opioid overdose using machine learning
  10. Clinical Decision Support System for Primary Care of Opioid Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
  11. Machine Learning Prediction and Reducing Overdoses With Electronic Health Record Nudges (mPROVEN) in the Primary Care Setting: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed
  12. Ecological momentary assessment and mediation analyses reveal relationships between affect, craving, and substance use in daily life - PubMed
  13. Digital phenotyping and digital monitoring technologies for relapse detection in mental health: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Springer Nature Link
  14. Peer Support Workers for Those in Recovery | SAMHSA
  15. Supporting and Financing Peer Services | SAMHSA Library
  16. Opioid Overdose: Evidence-Based Resources | SAMHSA
  17. The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
  18. Population-level individualized prospective prediction of opioid overdose using machine learning
  19. Clinical Decision Support System for Primary Care of Opioid Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
  20. Machine Learning Prediction and Reducing Overdoses With Electronic Health Record Nudges (mPROVEN) in the Primary Care Setting: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed
  21. Ecological momentary assessment and mediation analyses reveal relationships between affect, craving, and substance use in daily life - PubMed
  22. Digital phenotyping and digital monitoring technologies for relapse detection in mental health: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Springer Nature Link

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