Characterizing app-based telemedicine for opioid use disorder treatment within the landscape of recovery-related smartphone applications

Abstract A 2025 qualitative content analysis by Williamson et al. evaluated tools available through smartphone apps to support patients with recovery from opioid use disorder. Their analysis focused primarily on the role of smartphone apps as secondary, adjunct resources to addiction treatment programs. In this commentary on the analysis by Williamson et al., we discuss how apps for comprehensive telemedicine treatment for opioid use disorder are a growing segment within the mobile health offerings geared toward addiction treatment. Communities that face barriers to accessing in-person care for opioid use disorder can receive evidence-based treatment, such as medication for opioid use disorder and behavioral counseling, through rigorously tested telemedicine apps. Peer-reviewed studies from telemedicine practices have demonstrated the effectiveness and quality of virtual care models in reducing opioid use and increasing recovery. Future research on app-based telemedicine will represent an important contribution to addiction science in evaluating new therapeutic and supportive interventions for long-term recovery from opioid use disorder.