A 6-Month Randomized Trial of a Smartphone Application, UControlDrink, in Aiding Recovery in Alcohol Use Disorder

Abstract

<b><i>Background and Aims:</i></b> Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial problem, causing early death and great economic burden. Research has highlighted the potential positive impact of technological interventions, such as smartphone applications (app) in treatment of AUD. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a smartphone app, incorporating computerized cognitive behavioural therapy and text messaging support, on alcohol outcomes over 6 months in a post-rehabilitation setting. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 111 participants with AUD were recruited into this randomized controlled trial, following completion of a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (<i>n</i> = 54) used the smartphone app “UControlDrink” (UCD) over 6 months with treatment as usual (TAU), and the control group (<i>n</i> = 57) received TAU. All subjects suffered from AUD as the primary disorder, with other major psychiatric disorders excluded. All intervention subjects used the UCD smartphone app in the treatment trial, and all subjects underwent TAU consisting of outpatient weekly support groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days was measured at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Additional measurements were made to assess mood, anxiety, craving, and motivation. Results were analysed using intention-to-treat analyses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Retention in the study was 72% at 3 months and 52% at 6 months. There was a significant reduction in heavy drinking days in the intervention group relative to TAU over the 6 months, <i>p</i> < 0.02. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The UCD smartphone app demonstrates a significant benefit to reducing heavy drinking days over a 6-month post-rehabilitation period in AUD.

Treatment of Alcohol Use Problems Among Rural Populations: a Review of Barriers and Considerations for Increasing Access to Quality Care

“…A mobile app that sought to enhance motivation by increasing self-efficacy and providing education about normative alcohol use was effective in reducing alcohol consumption and problems among veterans in the UK, though this was not a sample of rural individuals [ 62 ]. Similar improvements have been demonstrated with other apps among the general population [ 63 ]. However, not all studies have found improvements associated with the use of mobile apps [ 64 ].…”

Additive effects of adjunctive app-based interventions for mental disorders - A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…No difference was found for symptoms of depression regarding primary and secondary outcomes ( g = 0.03; 95 % CI -0.07 to 0.13, p = 0.578; I 2 = 13.9 %; 95 % CI 0.0 to 48; PI -0.19 to 0.25; k = 22 ( Bastiaansen et al, 2020 ; Bell et al, 2020 ; Boettcher et al, 2018 ; Farren et al, 2022 ; Faurholt-Jepsen et al, 2015 ; Faurholt-Jepsen et al, 2020 ; Faurholt-Jepsen et al, 2021 ; Goulding et al, 2023 ; Keeler et al, 2022 ; Law et al, 2023 ; Lewis et al, 2020 ; Liu et al, 2023 ; Mackintosh et al, 2017 ; Mantani et al, 2017 ; O'Toole et al, 2019 ; Raevuori et al, 2021 ; Schmädeke and Bischoff, 2015 ; Schnall et al, 2022 ; Tønning et al, 2021 ; Wallace et al, 2022 ); see Appendix F for forest plot Fig. F.1).…”

“…When anxiety symptoms were both primary and secondary outcomes ( k = 10 ( Bell et al, 2020 ; Boettcher et al, 2018 ; Farren et al, 2022 ; Gao et al, 2022 ; Keeler et al, 2022 ; Liu et al, 2023 ; Raevuori et al, 2021 ; Roy et al, 2021 ; Wallace et al, 2022 )), there was no difference between the comparison groups ( g = 0.15; 95 % CI -0.2 to 0.5, p = 0.412; see Appendix F for forest plot Fig. F.3) with high heterogeneity ( I 2 = 77.9 %; 95 % CI 59.6 to 87.9; PI -1.06 to 1.35).…”

Recruitment and Retention in mhealth Interventions for Addiction and Problematic Substance Use: A Systematic Review

“…The included studies primarily comprised primary analyses (N=53) 15, 28, 41–88 89 90 91 , secondary analyses (N=5), 92–96 and study protocols (N=2). 97, 98 The primary analyses were mostly RTCs (N=45), 15, 28, 41–47, 50–56, 58–84 89, 90 pseudo-RCTs (N=1), 91 cluster RCTs (N=2), 49, 97 and non-RCTs (N=5). 48, 85–88 Secondary analyses were all based on RCTs, and the study protocols were based on an RCT and cluster RCT design each.…”

“…28, 44, 50, 56, 57, 60, 64, 66, 68, 69, 81, 84, 88, 96 Seven interventions targeted participants meeting formal diagnostic criteria (i.e., Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), including three for alcohol use disorder. Ten studies recruited participants through treatment providers, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation facilities, 28, 44, 50, 56, 64, 68, 84, 96 90, 91 and one study recruited participants from schools. 57 The remaining studies recruited through traditional and online media, 60, 69, 81 including one study that recruited through online help-seeking resources.…”