Trial Outcomes & Findings for Journaling and Addiction Recovery: Piloting "Positive Recovery Journaling" (NCT NCT04458181)

Results Overview

Score on the "Satisfaction with Life" scale. This scale has 5 items assessed on a 7 point Likert-type response format. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores representing higher satisfaction with life.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

81 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline

Results posted on

2024-06-20

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure	Treatment Group Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."	Control Group There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.
Overall Study STARTED	42	39
Overall Study COMPLETED	22	28
Overall Study NOT COMPLETED	20	11

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Journaling and Addiction Recovery: Piloting "Positive Recovery Journaling"

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure	Treatment Group n=42 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."	Control Group n=39 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Total n=81 Participants Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous	38.6 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.7 • n=5 Participants	39.4 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.4 • n=7 Participants	39 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11 • n=5 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized Male	18 Participants n=5 Participants	19 Participants n=7 Participants	37 Participants n=5 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized Female	24 Participants n=5 Participants	19 Participants n=7 Participants	43 Participants n=5 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized Non Binary	0 Participants n=5 Participants	1 Participants n=7 Participants	1 Participants n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native	3 Participants n=5 Participants	2 Participants n=7 Participants	5 Participants n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Asian	0 Participants n=5 Participants	1 Participants n=7 Participants	1 Participants n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	0 Participants n=5 Participants	0 Participants n=7 Participants	0 Participants n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American	3 Participants n=5 Participants	1 Participants n=7 Participants	4 Participants n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) White	28 Participants n=5 Participants	32 Participants n=7 Participants	60 Participants n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race	7 Participants n=5 Participants	2 Participants n=7 Participants	9 Participants n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported	1 Participants n=5 Participants	1 Participants n=7 Participants	2 Participants n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline

Score on the "Satisfaction with Life" scale. This scale has 5 items assessed on a 7 point Likert-type response format. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores representing higher satisfaction with life.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=39 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=42 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Satisfaction With Life at Baseline	17.2 units on a scale Standard Deviation 6.4	17.8 units on a scale Standard Deviation 6.6

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 2 weeks (after Phase 1, the group phase)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 2 weeks. In the study flow section of this report, the values reported under "completed" represent the study census at 8 weeks. That is why the values reported here and the values reported in the study flow under "completed" do not match.

Score on the "Satisfaction with Life" scale. This scale has 5 items assessed on a 7 point Likert-type response format. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores representing higher satisfaction with life.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=35 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=26 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Satisfaction With Life at 2 Weeks	18.6 units on a scale Standard Deviation 7.8	20.5 units on a scale Standard Deviation 6.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 weeks (after Phase 2, the independent practice phase)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 4 weeks. In the study flow section of this report, the values reported under "completed" represent the study census at 8 weeks. That is why the values reported here and the values reported in the study flow under "completed" do not match.

Score on the "Satisfaction with Life" scale. This scale has 5 items assessed on a 7 point Likert-type response format. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores representing higher satisfaction with life.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=31 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=24 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Satisfaction With Life at 4 Weeks	18.8 units on a scale Standard Deviation 7.9	19.4 units on a scale Standard Deviation 7.5

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 8 weeks (the 1-month post-intervention)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 8 weeks. These values match the values reported as "completed" in the study flow section of this report.

Score on the "Satisfaction with Life" scale. This scale has 5 items assessed on a 7 point Likert-type response format. Scores range from 5 to 35 with higher scores representing higher satisfaction with life.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=28 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=22 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Satisfaction With Life at 8 Weeks	21.2 units on a scale Standard Deviation 7.9	21 units on a scale Standard Deviation 7.4

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline

Score on a single item, "In general, I am happy with my recovery." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores represent higher happiness with recovery.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=38 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=42 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Happiness With Recovery at Baseline	8.4 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.8	8.1 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.9

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 2 weeks (after Phase 1, the group phase)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 2 weeks. In the study flow section of this report, the values reported under "completed" represent the study census at 8 weeks. That is why the values reported here and the values reported in the study flow under "completed" do not match.

Score on a single item, "In general, I am happy with my recovery." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores represent higher happiness with recovery.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=35 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=26 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Happiness With Recovery at 2 Weeks	8.6 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.9	8.3 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 weeks (after Phase 2, the independent practice phase)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 4 weeks. In the study flow section of this report, the values reported under "completed" represent the study census at 8 weeks. That is why the values reported here and the values reported in the study flow under "completed" do not match.

Score on a single item, "In general, I am happy with my recovery." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores represent higher happiness with recovery.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=31 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=24 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Happiness With Recovery at 4 Weeks	8.4 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.9	8.4 units on a scale Standard Deviation 2.2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 8 weeks (the 1-month post intervention)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 8 weeks. These values match the values reported as "completed" in the study flow section of this report.

Score on a single item, "In general, I am happy with my recovery." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0 to 10. Higher scores represent higher happiness with recovery.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=28 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=22 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Happiness With Recovery at 8 Weeks	8.3 units on a scale Standard Deviation 2.4	8.2 units on a scale Standard Deviation 2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline

Score on a single item, "I am willing to do whatever it takes to recover from my addiction." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0-10. Higher scores represent greater commitment to sobriety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=38 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=42 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Commitment to Sobriety at Baseline	9.2 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.4	8.6 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 2 weeks (after Phase 1, the group phase)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 2 weeks. In the study flow section of this report, the values reported under "completed" represent the study census at 8 weeks. That is why the values reported here and the values reported in the study flow under "completed" do not match.

Score on a single item, "I am willing to do whatever it takes to recover from my addiction." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0-10. Higher scores represent greater commitment to sobriety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=35 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=26 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Commitment to Sobriety at 2 Weeks	9.1 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.7	8.8 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.5

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 4 weeks (after Phase 2, the independent practice phase)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 4 weeks. In the study flow section of this report, the values reported under "completed" represent the study census at 8 weeks. That is why the values reported here and the values reported in the study flow under "completed" do not match.

Score on a single item, "I am willing to do whatever it takes to recover from my addiction." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0-10. Higher scores represent greater commitment to sobriety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=31 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=24 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Commitment to Sobriety at 4 Weeks	8.9 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.8	8.8 units on a scale Standard Deviation 1.5

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 8 weeks (the 1-month post intervention)

Population: The "Overall Number of Participants Analyzed" reported here represents the study census for this outcome at 8 weeks. These values match those reported as "completed" in the the study flow section of this report.

Score on a single item, "I am willing to do whatever it takes to recover from my addiction." This item uses an 11 point scale ranging from 0-10. Higher scores represent greater commitment to sobriety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Control Group n=28 Participants There will be no intervention for those randomized to the control group. However, they will complete assessment instruments throughout the study period while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction.	Treatment Group n=22 Participants Participants in this group will complete the intervention, Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ), while also continuing to attend intensive outpatient treatment for addiction. Positive Peer Journaling (PPJ): PPJ is a journaling practice to support addiction recovery. PPJ encourages past 24 hour review and upcoming 24 hour planning to improve subjective wellbeing in recovery and reduce relapse. PPJ uses journals with column headings under which individuals make bullet-pointed lists. On the left hand page, past 24 hours is recalled, itemizing "good" and "bad" things that happened and things for which one is grateful. Good wishes for others are also expressed on this page. On the right hand page, values-based activities for the upcoming 24 hours are planned via headings representing valued life domains such as "recovery," "work/school," "spirituality," "home and household," and "health."
Commitment to Sobriety at 8 Weeks	8.6 units on a scale Standard Deviation 2.1	8.5 units on a scale Standard Deviation 2.5

Adverse Events

Treatment Group

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 0 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

Control Group

Serious events: 0 serious events

Other events: 0 other events

Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Amy R. Krentzman

University of Minnesota

Phone: 612-625-2312

Email: [email protected]

Results disclosure agreements

Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
Publication restrictions are in place