HW-04

(Oral presentation, session Health and Wellbeing, 14.50 - 15.10 hrs)

Background

Problematic alcohol use still is one of the biggest health problems in modern life. It has several negative consequences, on individual, social and economic levels [1–4]. When not addressed properly and timely, problematic alcohol use can result in an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Recently, as a supplement to the more conventional treatments in addiction care, Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) programs have been developed, targeting the impulsive processes in the brain. As one of these programs, Alcohol Avoidance Training (AAT) has already shown positive results in a clinical setting when added to regular treatment [5]. However, more insight is needed

More needs to be found out using Alcohol Avoidance Training outside a clinical setting. For this reason, several studies were set up and are currently in progress.

Augmenting outpatient alcohol treatment as usual with online Alcohol Avoidance training

The effectiveness of eight online sessions of CBM Alcohol Avoidance Training added to TAU is tested in a double-blind Randomised Controlled Trial with pre- and post-assessments, plus follow-up assessments after three and six months. Currently, half of the intended 300 participants are included into the study.

Alcohol Avoidance Training for alcohol (ab)users via mobile devices – a pilot study

In this study, a smartphone/tablet version of an Alcohol Avoidance Training was tested within a self-selected sample of problem drinkers from the general population. The study showed a reduction of 7.8 units of alcohol a week (t=9.63, p=.000) after three weeks of using the app (n=410). Participants regard of the intervention was positive, but left room for improvement concerning the repetitious and non-personalized nature of the intervention