What is it about?
Mobile apps can help people reduce their use of alcohol, but only if they engage with the app. We developed an approach in which someone who has lived experience with addiction ("Peers") provides supportive accountability for app use to someone currently struggling with alcohol use. This study showed that US veterans are highly satisfied with this approach and reported reductions in their drinking.
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Why is it important?
Alcohol use kills more Americans each year than any other substance, and older Americans are drinking at higher levels than ever. This study suggests that an approach that combines an app with peer support is feasible and can increase access to care at minimal cost.
Perspectives
We are currently testing this approach in a randomized controlled trial. If effective, peer-supported mobile health can be a low-intensity approach to treating alcohol use problems in adults.
Daniel Blonigen
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Using peers to increase veterans’ engagement in a smartphone application for unhealthy alcohol use: A pilot study of acceptability and utility., Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, November 2021, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/adb0000598.
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