The availability of online alcohol resources for both individuals and professionals continues to rise, but raises some questions over the exact role these should play in helping prevent and support those with alcohol problems.
Generally evidence seems to suggest an important role to play for web based interventions, but not as a substitute for face to face services or brief intervention. There is also less research on more recently popular phone apps and online brief intervention approaches than for more established approaches intended for addressing dependent drinking.
Resources for individuals
The appeal of reaching straight to the public via apps and online resources is clear. Most people who recover from alcohol problems do so mainly 'on their own', and there are big questions over the implementation of face to face brief intervention by health and social care roles. Identification and Brief Advice (IBA), as a simpler form of brief intervention, also appears to lend itslef well to simple online tools or apps.
Don't Bottle It Up! www.dontbottleitup.org.uk
Don'tBottleItUp! offers users a simple online 'IBA' approach based on the gold-standard AUDIT screening tool and providing personalised brief advice.
Drinks Meter www.drinksmeter.com
The drinks meter app provides feedback based on AUDIT and other questions, also comparing the users answers against the Drinks Meter community to give unbiased, anonymous feedback.
Down Your Drink www.downyourdrink.org.uk
Down Your Drink (DYD) is a longer established online programme based on AUDIT and also including an extended programme. User registration required.
Change4Life 'drinks swap' & checker
As part of the Change4Life campaign, a Drinks Checker page and app are available, allowing the user the check their calories, units and risk level.
MyDrinkaware via www.drinkaware.co.uk
Drinkaware is the alcohol industry funded education charity that allows users to track their drinking, calories and progress cutting down via MyDrinkaware.
NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Alcohol
NHS Choices offers a comprehensive range of resources including a drinks tracker for iphone users, and an online self-assessment based on the AUDIT, as well as a local service directory.
Resources for professionals - IBA training app
An IBA training app was recently released on the apple store, Google play and also on the amazon app store. The app offers a shorter alternative to the 2 hour online IBA e-learning with more focus on visual IBA scenarios.
See here for a comprehensive list of alcohol support options or call Drinkline, the free national alcohol helpline if you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am – 8pm, weekends 11am – 4pm).
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