Arise: An Online Relapse Prevention Tool for Adolescent Substance Abusers

In Phase I of this SBIR project, 3C Institute (3C) developed a working prototype of an innovative computer-based coping skills educational program for adolescent substance abuse treatment completers. For Phase I, 3C developed and tested two customizable intelligent educational modules to teach coping skills in order to help adolescents avoid relapse, along with a brief instructional game for each segment. The Phase I prototype also included an online Parent Guide to inform parents about the uses and benefits of the product. Phase I R\&D provided strong support for the quality and value of the prototype as well as the viability of the proposed educational package and its promise for preventing substance abuse relapse with adolescents. Phase I results supported excellent quality of the product through high ratings of quality, appeal, and value. High feasibility and usability was also demonstrated through high ratings for ease of use, usability, and potential effectiveness. The goal of this Phase II SBIR project is to modify and expand the relapse prevention program developed in Phase I in response to customer feedback and to evaluate the efficacy of the full program with an RCT pilot clinical study. This product will be an adaptable software program for aftercare therapy. In Phase II, the investigators will build on the Phase I findings to modify and extend the existing content and develop the full program, which will include: an introductory module as well as interactive lessons and skill-building games for five coping skills modules. The Phase II product will also include a HelpCenter to support sustained, quality use of the product during commercialization.