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Smartphone app associated with increased abstinence from alcohol

In a randomized clinical trial of adults in alcohol abuse recovery, patients who received treatment as usual in addition to a smartphone with a recovery application reported a lower mean number of risky drinking days and a greater likelihood of consistent abstinence.

Participants were recently discharged from residential alcohol treatment facilities and randomized into one of two groups: a control group assigned to treatment as usual (n=179) or  treatment as usual plus a smartphone with the Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS) application “designed to improve continuing care for alcohol use disorders” (n=170).

Participants were asked about the number of risky drinking days in the previous 30 days in surveys conducted 4, 8 and 12 months after residential treatment discharge. Researchers defined a risky drinking day as one in which four or more alcoholic drinks were consumed within 2 hours (three drinks for women).

Significantly fewer risky drinking days were reported for the intervention and follow-up periods among participants in the A-CHESS group compared with controls (P=.003). The same was true at months 4 (P=.02) and 12 (P=.03) but not month 8 (P=.10), the researchers wrote.

Participants in the A-CHESS group also had a higher likelihood of reporting abstinence in the previous 30 days, compared with controls. Though not significant at month 4, the differences were significant at months 8 (P=.04) and 12 (P=.02).

The researchers concluded that new health care apps are being developed every day and their use is becoming more popular. A-CHESS and other apps have potential value as part of an effective treatment plan for patients with alcohol use disorders and other illnesses.

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.