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Technology-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Use: A Meta-Analysis
Brian D Kiluk1, Lara A Ray2, Justin Walthers3
1From the, Yale University School of Medicine, (BDK), New Haven, Connecticut.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|October 1, 2019
Summary
Technology-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) shows promise for alcohol use. This intervention is effective as a standalone treatment or when added to usual care, offering accessible support for heavy drinkers.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for alcohol use but faces implementation challenges.
- Technology-based CBT delivery (e.g., web, mobile apps) offers potential for wider access.
- Previous reviews have not specifically focused on technology-delivered CBT for alcohol use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis on the efficacy of technology-delivered CBT for alcohol use.
- To address the research gap regarding digital interventions for alcohol use disorders.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 15 published trials involving at-risk or heavy drinkers.
- Calculation of inverse-variance-weighted effect sizes for technology-delivered CBT interventions.
- Pooling of random effects in four subgroups to assess efficacy.
Main Results:
- Technology-delivered CBT showed a small, significant positive effect as a standalone treatment compared to minimal control (g=0.20).
- No significant effects were found when compared to treatment as usual (TAU).
- Technology-delivered CBT significantly improved outcomes when added to TAU (g=0.30), with sustained effects at 12-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Technology-delivered CBT is beneficial as a standalone therapy for heavy drinking.
- Adding technology-delivered CBT to usual care improves outcomes in substance use settings.
- Digital CBT interventions show comparable efficacy to in-person CBT in limited comparisons.
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