The Authors’ Own Words: We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.
Smartphone application for unhealthy alcohol use: a pilot study
Nicolas Bertholet, MD, MSc; Jean-Bernard Daeppen, MD; Jennifer McNeely, MD, MSc; Vlad Kushnir, MSc; & John A. Cunningham, PhD
Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 3, 2017
“In this pilot study of a smartphone application for unhealthy alcohol use conducted in a population of internet-recruited participants with unhealthy alcohol use, we observed a decrease at 3 months in weekly alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and some alcohol-related consequences. Because the uncontrolled design does not allow us to infer causation, further study is needed to evaluate the application’s efficacy. The application appears acceptable and useful (although there is room for improvement). Reaching individuals at their convenience is one of the advantages of technology-based interventions and as such smartphones represent an opportunity to increase the delivery of evidence-based alcohol interventions at the time and place where they are most needed. Nevertheless, without some form of reminder, applications for unhealthy alcohol use may go unused.”
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