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. 2024 Apr;65(2):264-274.
doi: 10.1111/sjop.12974. Epub 2023 Oct 18.

Developing digital interventions for a post-Covid world: A smartphone-based approach-avoidance training to reduce alcohol craving

Nele Peerenboom  1 , Natalie V Guzman  1   2 , Timo Kvamme  1   3 , Valentin Ritou  1 , Violeta Casero  1 , Valerie Voon  1
Affiliations

Developing digital interventions for a post-Covid world: A smartphone-based approach-avoidance training to reduce alcohol craving

Nele Peerenboom et al. Scand J Psychol. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Harmful alcohol use is a major public health issue. In-person treatment has been hindered by the restrictions necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study examined the effects of an at-home smartphone-based cognitive bias modification training in heavy drinkers. Experiment 1 tested the effect of a short 20-30-min smartphone-based approach-avoidance training (AAT) on image-induced craving at a 1-day follow-up. Sixty-two participants consuming 14+ units of alcohol/week were allocated to either the training or waitlist group. Experiment 2 used an updated version of the same short AAT intervention with a sample of n = 107 participants who consumed 20+ units of alcohol/week. Training effects at 1-week follow-up were compared to an active control group. Experiment 1 showed a significant reduction in image-induced craving for the training group at 1-day follow-up. Experiment 2 found that AUDIT weekly scores were significantly reduced at 1-week follow-up for the training group, all the while craving for soft drinks remained unchanged. Experiment 1 served as a first proof of concept for the efficacy of the new smartphone-based AAT training, and experiment 2 suggested that training effects on problem alcohol use hold at 1-week follow-up.

Keywords: CBM; Digital health; alcohol useapp; approach-avoidance; cognitive bias modification.

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