App Cuts Alcohol Intake in Risky Drinkers
App Cuts Alcohol Intake in Risky Drinkers Medscape
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The Key to Reducing Problem Drinking: A Brief Intervention with Web and App-Based Components
A recent study conducted in Australia has found that a brief intervention with web and app-based components can help risky drinkers significantly reduce their alcohol intake to a level that is considered not hazardous. The findings of this randomized controlled trial, published in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research, highlight the potential of technology-based interventions in addressing problem drinking.
Background
Alcohol consumption accounts for 5.3% of all deaths worldwide each year, and alcohol use disorder affects millions of people. However, more than 60% of individuals with alcohol use problems do not seek in-person treatment due to fear of judgment and stigma. This is especially true for those at the low end of the alcohol use severity spectrum. To overcome these barriers, researchers in Australia developed a smartphone app that provides personalized feedback about alcohol consumption and self-control.
The Study
The study was conducted among first-year psychology students at the University of Melbourne between 2020 and 2022. A total of 313 participants, with an average age of 21.7 years and 74% women, provided estimates of their alcohol intake over a period of 14 days. A subset of 178 individuals utilized the Alcohol Capture app, which records real-time alcohol intake and includes an online cognitive task assessing impulsivity.
The participants were categorized as “hazardous” or “nonharmful” drinkers based on guidelines from the World Health Organization. They were then divided into three groups: the alcohol intake feedback (Alc) group, the Alc plus cognitive feedback (AlcCog) group, and the control group. The Alc group received personalized feedback about their alcohol consumption, while the AlcCog group received additional information about their level of self-control and the links between poor self-control and vulnerability to alcohol use disorder. The control group did not receive personalized feedback. After 8 weeks, alcohol intake was recorded again over a period of 14 days.
Results
The researchers found that relative to hazardous drinkers in the control group, total alcohol consumption among risky drinkers in the Alc group decreased by 32% (or 3.8 standard drinks per week), and by 35% (or 4.2 standard drinks per week) in the AlcCog group. Drinks per drinking day also decreased by 31% (or 1.6 standard drinks) and 32% (or 2.1 standard drinks) in the Alc and AlcCog groups, respectively, compared to the control group. Nonharmful drinkers did not experience any significant changes in alcohol use.
Implications
This study demonstrates that a simple, small intervention using web and app-based components can have a profound effect on hazardous drinking. The use of technology-based interventions can help overcome barriers to seeking treatment, such as fear of judgment and stigma. These interventions can be easily accessible, anonymous, and require minimal healthcare personnel power to implement.
The findings of this study align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. By addressing problem drinking, these interventions contribute to the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the prevention of alcohol-related disorders and diseases.
This research was supported by an Early Career Researcher grant from the University of Melbourne. The study authors reported no financial conflicts of interest.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and actions in this regard
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Alcohol consumption reduction among hazardous drinkers
- Reduction in alcohol-related disorders and diseases, hospitalization, and death
- Percentage of hazardous drinkers seeking treatment
- Percentage of hazardous drinkers who receive personalized feedback about their alcohol consumption
- Changes in alcohol intake over a specified period
- Changes in quantity of alcohol intake per drinking day
- Changes in frequency of six or more drinking occasions
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol |
|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and actions in this regard |
|
Note: The indicators listed in the table are based on the information provided in the article and may not represent a comprehensive list of all possible indicators for the identified targets.
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Source: medscape.com
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