ABSTRACT
The potential of smartphones and mobile technology for improving healthcare delivery is increasingly recognized from both personal and global perspectives. Smartphone technologies have been used in improving public health intervention and epidemiology control in developing countries. Global Positioning Systems (GPS)-featured smartphone apps provide additional opportunities to improve independent living of people with chronic medical conditions or long-term disabilities. One critical feature of smartphones that is useful for public health and clinical research is GPS service. As more drugs are being legalized for either recreational or medical use, smartphone technologies can provide accessible psychoeducation on legal statutes and harmful effects of drugs, and in turn, can encourage help-seeking behaviors in addiction treatment and prevention. Smartphone technologies offer promising new tools for addictions care, as evidenced by their prevalent use in general healthcare. Smartphone technology is increasingly becoming an acceptable platform for delivering mental health services given its accessibility, anonymity, cost-effectiveness, and customized features for individuals.
