Be Consistent, Work the Program, Be Present Every Day: Exploring Technologies for Self-Tracking in Early Recovery

Abstract

Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18 and 44 in the United States, with 106,699 deaths reported in 2021 [1]. In the most recent data collected in 2021, 15.6% of youth and adults aged 12 or older needed substance abuse treatment in the past year [2]. Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect people across all demographics. SUDs can be complicated by mental health issues, physical health concerns, social stigma, and marginalization. Due to the long-term and often recurring nature of this condition, substance use disorders are classified and treated as chronic illnesses, similar to cancer or diabetes.