Evaluation of a Web-based Psychosocial Education and Peer Support Program for Alcohol Use Concerns

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Public health
• Addiction research

Background:

• Web-based interventions are increasingly used for substance use disorder treatment.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of such programs is crucial for public health.
• Tempest Sobriety School (TSS) is a web-based program designed for alcohol use recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of the Tempest Sobriety School (TSS) program.
• To assess changes in alcohol use, drug use, cravings, and alcohol use disorder symptoms.
• To provide a model for outcome evaluation of digital health interventions.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 541 adults enrolled in TSS were assessed.
• Data collection occurred at baseline, and at 2, 6, and 12 months post-enrollment.
• Outcomes included self-reported alcohol and drug use, cravings, alcohol use disorder symptoms, physical and mental health, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated significant decreases in alcohol use, drug use, alcohol cravings, and alcohol use disorder symptoms.
• These positive changes were maintained at 6 and 12-month follow-ups.
• Sustained improvements in overall physical health, mental health, and quality of life were reported by participants.

Conclusions:

• The web-based Tempest Sobriety School (TSS) program is effective in promoting sustained recovery from alcohol use.
• The study provides a valuable model for evaluating digital interventions in addiction treatment.
• Findings support the use of web-based programs for improving health and quality of life in individuals with alcohol use disorders.