Introduction
Excessive alcohol use is a significant public health issue, associated with numerous health risks and contributing to approximately 140,000 U.S. deaths annually. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects a broad spectrum of individuals, necessitating accessible and effective interventions. Digital medicine apps offer a promising avenue for AUD treatment, providing scalable and accessible support for self-management and clinical monitoring.
Study Design
This study employed a 12-month randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of three digital medicine support models for AUD: self-monitored (SM), peer-supported (PS), and clinically integrated (CI). The primary outcomes measured were the reduction in heavy drinking days (HDD) and improvements in quality of life (QOL).
Results
All three groups experienced a significant reduction in HDD, from an average of 38.4% at baseline to 22.5% at 12 months. The CI group demonstrated the most substantial decrease in alcohol use, with significant reductions observed from 3 to 9 and 12 months. However, there were no statistically significant differences in HDD reduction among the SM, PS, and CI groups. In terms of QOL, the CI group showed significant improvements in mental health scores compared to the SM group.
Discussion
The findings suggest that self-guided digital health interventions may be as effective as more intensive support models for individuals with mild-to-moderate AUD. The study underscores the importance of considering patient preferences and the potential benefits of offering a range of support options. The higher attrition rates in the CI group highlight the need for further research into the factors influencing engagement and retention in digital health interventions.
Conclusion
Digital health interventions, particularly those that are self-guided, represent a viable and cost-effective option for health systems aiming to address AUD. The study's results contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of digital medicine in managing AUD and suggest directions for future research to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of these interventions.
