Abstract
BackgroundAlthough the number of alcohol-related treatments in app stores is proliferating, none of them are based on a psychological framework and supported by empirical evidence. Cue exposure treatment (CET) with urge-specific coping skills (USCS) is often used in Danish treatment settings. It is an evidence-based psychological approach that focuses on promoting “confrontation with alcohol cues” as a means of reducing urges and the likelihood of relapse.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe the design and development of a CET-based smartphone app; an innovative delivery pathway for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD).MethodsThe treatment is based on Monty and coworkers’ manual for CET with USCS (2002). It was created by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, programmers, and graphic designers as well as patients with AUD. A database was developed for the purpose of registering and monitoring training activities. A final version of the CET app and database was developed after several user tests.ResultsThe final version of the CET app includes an introduction, 4 sessions featuring USCS, 8 alcohol exposure videos promoting the use of one of the USCS, and a results component providing an overview of training activities and potential progress. Real-time urges are measured before, during, and after exposure to alcohol cues and are registered in the app together with other training activity variables. Data packages are continuously sent in encrypted form to an external database and will be merged with other data (in an internal database) in the future.ConclusionsThe CET smartphone app is currently being tested at a large-scale, randomized controlled trial with the aim of clarifying whether it can be classified as an evidence-based treatment solution. The app has the potential to augment the reach of psychological treatment for AUD.
Highlights
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributes to a substantial number of contacts with the treatment system [1,2], given that relapse is the most likely outcome of treatment [3,4,5]
Cue exposure treatment (CET) is often combined with the use of urge-specific coping skills (USCS), as there is evidence to suggest that this method provides better treatment outcomes [15,16,17]
This paper describes the design and development of a smartphone app that mimics the CET treatment delivered to alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients in Danish inpatient and outpatient clinics
Summary
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributes to a substantial number of contacts with the treatment system [1,2], given that relapse is the most likely outcome of treatment [3,4,5]. The treatment consists of teaching coping strategies to reduce urges, and, by exposing patients to alcohol in vivo, it trains them to tolerate urges by using the USCS. The technical functions such as audio/video replay, audio/video pause/start, and continue to page, are illustrated through arrows explaining how they work (Figure 2, part B). Cue exposure treatment (CET) with urge-specific coping skills (USCS) is often used in Danish treatment settings It is an evidence-based psychological approach that focuses on promoting “confrontation with alcohol cues” as a means of reducing urges and the likelihood of relapse. The app has the potential to augment the reach of psychological treatment for AUD
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