Technology-Based Interventions and Trainings to Reduce the Escalation and Impact of Alcohol Problems

Abstract

There has been a rapid increase in the development of technological innovations to reduce the escalation and impact of alcohol problems among adolescents and adults. Technology-based interventions offer the possibility of reaching individuals who otherwise might not seek treatment, (e.g., those in remote areas, those not perceiving a need for treatment, or others who might resist treatment). This article describes 4 case examples of technology-based interventions for risky drinking: (a) a freely available and interactive Web site that provides individualized feedback and information on risky drinking patterns; (b) a brief intervention for adolescents that provides individualized feedback to teens regarding their alcohol use; (c) a computer-delivered screening and brief intervention for alcohol use among pregnant women; and (d) a simulation program for training social workers in screening and brief intervention. These case examples highlight how technology could have a role in addressing the Alcohol Misuse Grand Challenge.

KEYWORDS:

• alcohol
• computer
• Internet
• intervention
• mobile
• technology

Funding

This article was supported by grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Notes

¹ NIAAA’s low-risk drinking guidelines recommend no more than four drinks in a single day for males and no more than 14 drinks in a week. For females and individuals over age 65 (male or female), the low-risk drinking guideline recommends no more than three drinks in a single day and seven drinks in a week. These guidelines are not recommended for individuals who are underage, pregnant or trying to become pregnant, planning to drive or operate machinery, or taking medications that interact with alcohol, and have health conditions made worse by alcohol.

² Normative resetting addresses perceptions that substance use is very common among one’s peers. Addressing these descriptive social norms is particularly important for adolescent substance use prevention (Eisenberg, Toumbourou, Catalano, & Hemphill, 2014).

Additional information

Funding

This article was supported by grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.