Technology-Delivered CBT to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched treatment options for Alcohol Use Disorder. In order to make CBT as accessible and effective as possibles, researchers have been investigating different versions and ways to deliver CBT.

The use of technology as a platform to deliver CBT has been an exciting project that researchers hope will make the therapy more available to people who require support. 

A recent meta-analysis has examined the evidence for technology-delivered, CBT-based interventions targeting alcohol use.

Following the elimination process, the researchers were left with15 published trials involving technology-delivered CBT-based interventions for individuals who were heavy drinkers or at risk of heavy drinking.

Although the impact was small, overall, the results suggested the technology-delivered CBT-based interventions were effective when delivered as a stand-alone treatment or when tested as an addition to usual care.

These results are promising given the cost-effectiveness and potentially wide reach of technology-based interventions.

However, the authors caution that these models should replace in-person or established services, as there have only been a few well-controlled comparisons and more evidence is required.