Our lab has interviewed over 1,000 people in our previous work about addiction and recovery. Here are some things previous participants have told us about being in the study:
About the daily surveys:
- It helped me realize my emotions and I had something to answer to which helped keep me on track.
- It made me pause for a second and really think about how my day was.
- They were helpful in the sense that they made me ‘stop and think’ about how I was feeling, cravings, etc.
About sharing GPS location:
- I thought it was kind of fun when I went someplace different and I would think of you guys helping me to stay sober.
- It honestly stopped me from going places I know may be a trigger.
- I think [sharing GPS] raised my awareness of situations where I was likely to drink (like with my Mom and on dates) and situations that I could make better choices (like picking restaurants that didn’t serve alcohol for dates).
On being in the study in general:
- It helped keep recovery a priority and on my mind.
- I believe the study was a big part of my recovery and one of the biggest reasons I’m still sober today
- On some days, the check in with you may have been the most significant communication I had with anyone.