Enhearten for Substance Use Disorder

This trial tests a digital tool called Enhearten, designed to assist pregnant women and new mothers with substance use disorders. The goal is to determine if this tool can reduce self-stigma (negative feelings about oneself) and improve treatment adherence and recovery. Participants will use Enhearten for just-in-time support during vulnerable moments. The study seeks pregnant women and new mothers up to 12 months postpartum with a history of substance use, excluding alcohol and nicotine, who have daily access to a smartphone or tablet. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new methods of supporting recovery.

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on supporting adherence to medications for addiction treatment, so you may be able to continue your prescribed medications.

A previous study tested Enhearten with EMI to evaluate its effectiveness and potential side effects for individuals with substance use disorders. The study assessed the ease of use of the digital tool. Although the exact side effects were not detailed, digital tools like Enhearten typically pose low risk since they do not involve medication. Enhearten aims to assist pregnant and new mothers by reducing feelings of shame and supporting adherence to addiction treatment plans. This approach emphasizes mental and emotional support, which is generally safer than traditional drug treatments.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about Enhearten because it’s a digital intervention aimed at supporting people with substance use disorder, specifically addressing the unique needs of pregnant and post-partum women. Unlike standard treatments like medication-assisted therapy, Enhearten incorporates features to reduce self-stigma, a crucial barrier to treatment adherence. Additionally, its integration with ecological momentary interventions (EMI) helps users stick to their medication schedules and remain engaged in their treatment journey.

Research has shown that Enhearten, a digital tool, may help reduce feelings of self-judgment in pregnant and new mothers dealing with substance use issues. In this trial, participants will either receive the Enhearten intervention or join a waitlist control group. Studies have found that digital tools like Enhearten can complement traditional care by offering support when needed. Early results suggest that Enhearten helps women adhere to their addiction treatment plans and remain in treatment longer. The app is specifically designed to meet the needs of these women, making it a promising option. By addressing self-judgment, Enhearten could lead to better treatment outcomes for this group.³⁴⁶⁷⁸