Applying the theory of planned behavior to predict online addiction treatment intention

Scant research has been published on online addiction treatment, with few studies focusing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in relation to addiction treatment. Therefore, this study aims to explain the TPB's predictability on intention and behaviors in relation to online addiction treatment among people recovering from substance use disorder (SUD). Methods: This descriptive-analytical study included a self-report questionnaire based on the TPB model, and was distributed to a sample of 115 people recovering from SUD, aged 18-69, 62% of whom were men. Results: Attitude, Subjective Norms (SN), and Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) toward online addiction treatment was significantly positive in relation to intention and past behavior of participants in online addiction treatment. Attitude and PBC were found to be significant predictors, and the TPB model was found to be significant {F (3,111) = 47.29, p < 0.01}, explaining 56% of the variance of intention for participants in online addiction treatment. Conclusion: As online treatment is a relatively new tool in addiction treatment, professionals and treatment providers should encourage beliefs, attitudes, moral norms, and perceived behavior control to increase intentions among future participants in online addiction treatment.