ResearchProjects

This proof-of-concept study assessed a brief, low-cost, scalable, and innovative intervention to reduce drug use and relapse among participants in methadone treatment. Substance abuse treatments commonly teach strategies to re-direct behavior from short-term drug use temptations to more valued long-term goals. This intervention was intended to enhance self-regulation through a shift in the language individuals use in self-talk – from using first person to non-first-person self-talk, i.e.,“you can do this” or “Tanya can do this” vs. “I can do this”.  Experimental studies suggest that this shift promotes self-distancing, and in turn, self-regulation of emotion and behavior. Positive findings could lead to its integration into community interventions and substance use treatment programs with multiple populations to reduce drug use, lower the risk of HIV and HCV infection and help maintain antiretroviral regimens.