Technology-Based Interventions and Trainings to Reduce the Escalation and Impact of Alcohol Problems

Abstract

There has been a rapid increase in the development of technological innovations to reduce the escalation and impact of alcohol problems among adolescents and adults. Technology-based interventions offer the possibility of reaching individuals who otherwise might not seek treatment, (e.g., those in remote areas, those not perceiving a need for treatment, or others who may resist treatment). This article describes four case examples of technology-based interventions for risky drinking: 1) a freely available and interactive website that provides individualized feedback and information on risky drinking patterns; 2) a brief intervention for adolescents that provides individualized feedback to teens regarding their alcohol use; 3) a computer-delivered screening and brief intervention for alcohol use among pregnant women, and 4) a simulation program for training social workers in screening and brief intervention. These case examples highlight how technology may have a role in addressing the Alcohol Misuse Grand Challenge.

Innovative Virtual Role Play Simulations for Managing Substance Use Conversations: Pilot Study Results and Relevance During and After COVID-19

“…These types of virtual role play training simulations have shown to be efficacious in training targeted populations such as health care providers including social workers, educators, school counseling professionals, and students in the health care field [29][30][31][32][33][34]. Data from these studies show significant improvements in attitudinal constructs related to interpersonal skills acquisition and behavioral changes.…”

“…Numerous studies have examined the efficacy of using virtual human role play simulations, similar to that of One Degree: Shift the Influence, to teach MI skills. These studies have found that virtual role play practices can provide an efficacious means of delivering screening and brief intervention training for health care providers [29][30][31][32][33][34], and have proven to successfully change attitudinal constructs and behaviors in K12 and higher education settings related to identifying; talking to; and, if necessary, referring students in psychological distress. [29,[35][36][37][38][39].…”

Teenpods: Production of Educational Videos as First Step in a Transmedia Educational Project About Positive Youth Development

“…The literature shows how organizations offer training resources through virtual environments for education practitioners, such as texts, documents, explanatory videos, learning materials and resources for practice (Fernández-Rodrigo, Vaquero & Balsells, 2019). Studies show that professionals benefit from SmT due to the easy accessibility to resources, the flexibility to consult them, and when resources are offered in an organized way, for example, through modules (Ghoncheh, Gould, Twisk, Kerkhof, & Koot, 2016;Resko et al, 2017).…”

The European Conference on Education 2021: Official Conference Proceedings

“…The literature shows how organizations offer training resources through virtual environments for education practitioners, such as texts, documents, explanatory videos, learning materials and resources for practice (Fernández-Rodrigo, Vaquero & Balsells, 2019). Studies show that professionals benefit from SmT due to the easy accessibility to resources, the flexibility to consult them, and when resources are offered in an organized way, for example, through modules (Ghoncheh, Gould, Twisk, Kerkhof, & Koot, 2016;Resko et al, 2017).…”