Smartphone apps for managing alcohol consumption: a literature review

Abstract

Background Smartphone applications (apps) designed to assist users to reduce hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption show potential as an inexpensive alternative to traditional brief intervention in primary care. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on alcohol reduction apps and the availability of evidenced-based apps on top commercial app stores. Methods We reviewed literature through to December 2019 using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar and keyword search terms smartphone/mobile/phone AND application/app AND alcohol. Articles were included if the primary intervention was a smartphone app and the study measured participant changes in frequency or volume of alcohol consumption. Results 21 relevant articles were identified that evaluated 19 unique smartphone apps. Of the 19 unique apps, seven were designed for use among youth and 12 in adult populations. The available evidence for the efficacy of alcohol reduction apps among youth is inconclusive, with results from these evaluations not showing a clear benefit in reducing alcohol consumption compared to control groups. The results of apps designed for adult populations appears more promising, but results are still mixed. Of the 19 alcohol reduction apps that have been evaluated only eight of these are currently publicly available in commercial app stores. Of these eight apps, only four were demonstrated in the literature to assist with reducing alcohol consumption. Conclusion The evidence for alcohol reduction apps is promising but inconclusive. Few apps that have been evaluated in the scientific literature are currently available for download in commercial app stores.

Regulation and accreditation of addictive behaviour applications—navigating the landscape

“…Apps for addictive behaviours cover the spectrum of severity, from stand-alone self-monitoring apps to adjuncts to pharmacological treatment and fully independent therapy, such as computerized cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) and relapse prevention. There is a small yet emerging evidence-base for apps to reduce alcohol consumption [6], promote smoking cessation [7][8][9] and prevent relapse to illicit drugs [10][11][12]. However, the most popular apps are those without effectiveness data; only two of the top 50 ranked smoking cessation apps identified in one study had any evidence of effectiveness [13].…”

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability of Web-Based Relapse Prevention and Self-Monitoring Program: Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In Japan, over 95% of people aged 20–49 use the internet, and about 80% use their smartphone when accessing the internet ( 19 ). Globally, smartphone-based applications have been developed as educational tools, self-monitoring for substance use and craving, screening and brief intervention, harm reduction strategy for people with at-risk for addictive behavior, support for recovery from addiction issues, or linkage to peers in self-help group ( 20 – 22 ). A smartphone app might be better if we develop an internet-based intervention with frequent use or a long intervention duration, such as daily self-monitoring.…”

Personalized Approach Bias Modification Smartphone App (“SWIPE”) to Reduce Alcohol Use Among People Drinking at Hazardous or Harmful Levels: Protocol for an Open-Label Feasibility Study

“…SWIPE has the potential to deliver a just-in-time intervention during periods of heightened vulnerability (ie, events, days, and times associated with drinking). Although several smartphone apps exist to help individuals reduce their drinking, they predominantly focus on monitoring alcohol consumption and providing normative feedback, while a few also aim to ameliorate psychological processes impaired by heavy alcohol use (eg, long-term planning, decision making) [ 49 ]. Because ABM dampens activity in distinct neural pathways that become overactive through heavy alcohol use [ 17 ], SWIPE may be a particularly advantageous intervention that is able to benefit heavy drinkers beyond what is afforded by currently available smartphone apps.…”