Feasibility and Acceptability of a Stigma Text Message Intervention for People Who Use Drugs

Project RESTART (Resisting STigma And Revaluating your Thoughts) is a theory-informed, 4-week automated text message intervention to address self-stigma in people who use drugs. The intervention delivers two daily messages to participants for four weeks (56 messages total). Messages address the four components of the personal level of Stigma Resistance Theory: Not believing stigma/catching and challenging stigmatizing thoughts; empowering oneself through learning about substance use and one's own recovery; maintaining one's recovery and proving stigma wrong; and developing a meaningful identity and purpose apart from one's substance use. Content is informed by evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and health communication theory (e.g., Elaboration Likelihood Model). Messages include psychoeducation about substance use and stigma, coping advice, and suggestions for how to set personal goals, identify values, and build self-esteem.