CONSORT-EHEALTH Checklist V1.6.2 Report

1b-i) Key features/functionalities/components of the intervention and comparator in the METHODS section of the ABSTRACT "We recruited 189 heavy problem drinkers primarily through SMART Recovery’s web site and in-person meetings throughout the U.S. We randomly assigned participants to: OA alone; OA+ attend SMART Recovery meetings (OA +SR), or to attend SMART Recovery meetings (SR) only. Baseline and follow-ups were conducted via GoToMeeting sessions with a Research Assistant (RA) and the study participant. We interviewed significant others to corroborate the participant’s self-report. Primary outcome measures include percent days abstinent (PDA), mean drinks per drinking day (DDD), and alcohol/drug related consequences. " Blinding status was not mentioned in the abstract in light of the length restriction but described in the Methods section of the paper itself. 1b-ii) Level of human involvement in the METHODS section of the ABSTRACT "We randomly assigned participants to: OA alone; OA+ attend SMART Recovery meetings (OA +SR), or to attend SMART Recovery meetings (SR) only. Baseline and follow-ups were conducted via GoToMeeting sessions with a Research Assistant (RA) and the study participant. " We did not mention the level of training of meeting facilitators in the abstract in light of its length restriction. 1b-iii) Open vs. closed, web-based (self-assessment) vs. face-to-face assessments in the METHODS section of the ABSTRACT "Baseline and follow-ups were conducted via GoToMeeting sessions with a Research Assistant (RA) and the study participant. " 1b-iv) RESULTS section in abstract must contain use data "We recruited 189 heavy problem drinkers primarily through SMART Recovery’s web site and in-person meetings throughout the U.S. Actual use relationships were found, for the OA groups, between SR online meetings and improvement in PDA (r = .261, P = .033). In addition, in the OA groups, the number of total sessions of support (incl. SR & other meetings, counselor visits) was significantly related to PDA (r = .306, P = .012) and amount of improvement in alcohol-related problems (r = .305, P = .012). In the SR only group, the number of face to face meetings was significantly related to all three dependent variables, and predicted increased PDA (r =.358, P=.003), fewer mean DDD (r =-.250, P = .039) and fewer alcohol-related problems (r = -.244, P= .045), as well as to the amount of improvement in all three of these variables. " 1b-v) CONCLUSIONS/DISCUSSION in abstract for negative trials "These results support our first experimental hypothesis but not the second. All groups significantly increased their PDA and decreased both their mean DDD and their alcohol-related problems. This suggests that both interventions being investigated were effective in helping people recover from their problem drinking. " INTRODUCTION 2a-i) Problem and the type of system/solution "Individuals with Addictions in Search of Alternatives. While the predominant model for addressing addictive behaviors in the U.S. is the 12-step model (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.), a significant proportion of individuals who are looking for help with their addictions reject 12step programs for a variety of reasons (Institute of Medicine, 1990). At least some of these individuals are interested in viable alternative recovery options--often preferring approaches that provide them with more flexibility in how they define and address their addictive behavior(s). SMART Recovery (Self-Management And Recovery Training [2] provides such individuals with a protocol that, like a 12-step program, employs the use of an interactive group component (either in person or through the use of web-based "chat" rooms and a forum) while using the framework of the 4 point program (described below). However, SMART Recovery fundamentally differs from the 12-step model in that it: 1) encourages a science-based approach to recovery; 2) avoids labeling (e.g., "alcoholic” or addict" unless individuals themselves accept that label); and 3) does not conceptualize addiction as a disease, per se (but is accepting of members’ views of addiction as a disease). Anecdotal evidence from SMART Recovery meetings indicates that these aspects of the program draw participants to SMART Recovery (A.T. Horvath, personal communication, 12/2/08). The Overcoming Addictions (OA) web application. OA is an abstinence-focused, cognitive-behavioral web application we designed for SMART Recovery. The program has parallel but separate modules for alcohol, marijuana, opioids, stimulants, and compulsive gambling. The interactive exercises in OA include tasks that focus on the 4-point program of SMART Recovery as well as additional activities to: enhance motivation for change; track urges over time (with feedback); practice mindfulness exercises for preventing relapse (Bowen et al., 2006), set goals, and make Change Plans (Miller, Zweben, DiClemente & Rychtarik, 1995). " 2a-ii) Scientific background, rationale: What is known about the (type of) system "While the predominant model for addressing addictive behaviors in the U.S. is the 12-step model (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.), a significant proportion of individuals who are looking for help with their addictions reject 12-step programs for a variety of reasons (Institute of Medicine, 1990). At least some of these individuals are interested in viable alternative recovery options--often preferring approaches that provide them with more flexibility in how they define and address their addictive behavior(s). " METHODS 3a) CONSORT: Description of trial design (such as parallel, factorial) including allocation ratio