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Smartphone Applications Can Help Keep Alcoholism at Bay - Study Treatment of alcoholism needs continued care and a shortage of resources can create hindrances in the way to recovery. Over the past two decades, healthcare systems across the world have been inundated with innovative treatment procedures delivered through the internet. Linking smartphone applications to alcohol treatment is a new approach in this area. A study published in the JAMA Psychiatry in 2015 has acknowledged the use of smartphone applications as a new treatment approach for alcoholism. Though very few studies support the findings, treating alcoholism with the help of smartphone applications can be a giant leap in the field of alcoholism treatment. The study, titled “A smartphone application to support recovery from alcoholism: a randomized clinical trial,” aims to ascertain “whether patients leaving residential treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) with a smartphone application to support recovery have fewer risky drinking days than control-group patients.” The smartphone application was essentially designed to keep a tab on alcoholics who have been discharged from residential treatment centers following a methodical treatment. Smartphone apps reduce risky drinking days The research was an un-blinded, randomized, controlled trial in which the participants were given a smartphone with an application called Addiction – Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS). As part of the study, the researchers examined 349 patients who met the criteria for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) alcohol dependence when they entered the residential treatment facility. Of the total participants, 170 were designated as the treatment group who were given smartphones with the app and the remaining 179 were part of the control group who were given a standard care, but not the app. The purpose of the A-CHESS application was to provide monitoring, information, communication, and support services to patients to help them connected with their counselors.

Smartphone applications can help keep alcoholism at bay study

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Page 1: Smartphone applications can help keep alcoholism at bay   study

Smartphone Applications Can Help Keep Alcoholism at Bay - Study

Treatment of alcoholism needs continued care and a shortage of resources can create hindrances in the

way to recovery. Over the past two decades, healthcare systems across the world have been inundated

with innovative treatment procedures delivered through the internet. Linking smartphone applications to

alcohol treatment is a new approach in this area. A study published in the JAMA Psychiatry in 2015 has

acknowledged the use of smartphone applications as a new treatment approach for alcoholism.

Though very few studies support the findings, treating alcoholism with the help of smartphone

applications can be a giant leap in the field of alcoholism treatment.

The study, titled “A

smartphone application

to support recovery from

alcoholism: a randomized

clinical trial,” aims to

ascertain “whether

patients leaving

residential treatment for

alcohol use disorders

(AUDs) with a smartphone

application to support

recovery have fewer risky

drinking days than

control-group patients.”

The smartphone

application was

essentially designed to

keep a tab on alcoholics

who have been discharged from residential treatment centers following a methodical treatment.

Smartphone apps reduce risky drinking days

The research was an un-blinded, randomized, controlled trial in which the participants were given a

smartphone with an application called Addiction – Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System

(A-CHESS).

As part of the study, the researchers examined 349 patients who met the criteria for DSM-IV (Diagnostic

and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) alcohol dependence when they entered the

residential treatment facility. Of the total participants, 170 were designated as the treatment group who

were given smartphones with the app and the remaining 179 were part of the control group who were

given a standard care, but not the app. The purpose of the A-CHESS application was to provide monitoring,

information, communication, and support services to patients to help them connected with their

counselors.

Page 2: Smartphone applications can help keep alcoholism at bay   study

The patients were given conventional treatment before being discharged from the residential treatment

centers. The researchers followed the patients initially for eight months and then followed them again for

another four months.

The patients were then asked to report their respective risky drinking habits on the fourth, eighth and

12th month after their discharge from the residential treatment. According to the researchers, risky

drinking habit for men comprised more than four drinks within a span of two hours, and for women it

included three drinks during the same time period.

Alcoholism treatment needs continued care which can help prevent relapses

After completion of the intervention period, the group of patients having the app reported significantly

fewer risky drinking days than patients in the control group. This showed that being in touch with the

counselors and making use of the support services after being discharged from residential treatment

centers greatly helped the patients to keep a check on their drinking habit, and eventually recover from

the malaise.

The study demonstrated that alcoholism treatment needs a continued care which can help prevent

relapses and also ensures that sobriety is usually a long-term process. Support from family, friends and

support groups can go a long way in helping an individual to completely recover from alcoholism. The

aftercare programs are also equally important as they can thwart any cravings and temptations to drink

again.

The Florida alcohol addiction treatment ranks among the best in the country and the alcohol

rehabilitation centers in Florida provide the latest evidence-based treatment with ultra-modern facilities.

If a loved one is battling alcoholism, call the Florida Alcohol Addiction Helpline at 866-220-5381 for

immediate assistance. Our members who are available 24/7 can guide you to the best alcohol

rehabilitation centers in Florida.

For more information please visit

www.floridaalcoholaddictionhelpline.com