Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol use disorder: a pilot randomised control trial.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Behavioural Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is established for alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment.
• Previous CBT interventions for AUD were primarily individual or group-based.
• Computerised delivery of CBT for AUD has not been extensively studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an interactive, personalised, computer-based CBT program for AUD.
• To compare computerised CBT with a placebo intervention in a randomised controlled trial setting.

Main Methods:

• A total of 55 AUD patients were randomised into two groups.
• One group received 5-hour computerised CBT sessions; the other received a placebo cognitive-stimulating session.
• Both groups underwent a 4-week inpatient rehabilitation treatment and were followed for 3 months.

Main Results:

• High patient adherence was observed in the computerised CBT protocol.
• Both groups showed significant reductions in alcohol consumption and increased abstinence rates.
• The computerised CBT group reported increased Alcoholics Anonymous attendance and improved self-efficacy, correlating with drinking outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Computerised CBT is a potentially effective clinical tool for treating AUD.
• Further research is warranted to explore computerised CBT in diverse treatment settings for AUD.
• Personalised, computer-delivered interventions may enhance treatment engagement and outcomes for AUD.