Young adults see potential in technology to reduce alcohol harm

Young adults believe that electronic interventions can help reduce the negative consequences of alcohol use if they are tailored to their personal needs and goals. In a qualitative study, young adults reported that such real-time interventions should be adaptable, easy to use, and provide digestible amounts of non-judgmental information.

The authors of the study published in Alcohol: clinical and experimental research emphasize the importance of involving users early in the development process to ensure that users find harm reduction applications relevant and attractive.

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 21 people ages 18 to 24 in the Seattle area about whether electronic interventions could help young adults reduce the negative consequences of alcohol use.

Overall, young adults were positive about web-based or mobile interventions, stating that interventions that counted drinks and reported blood alcohol levels could increase awareness of the alcohol content of drinks and help them pace themselves. However, some felt that the consequences were inevitable, as intoxication and social pressure would reduce the ability to participate in real-time interventions.

When asked about the features that would make these mobile or web-based interventions most useful, participants emphasized personalization and relevance. For example, the ability to set goals and track drinks, as well as mood, behavior, experiences and where and with whom they drink, could provide insight into how different factors influence and are influenced by the amount they drink, they said.

Participants noted the importance of a user-friendly design that requires minimal input, especially during drinking occasions, when they can be unfocused due to alcohol consumption and social demands, while allowing users to opt-in to more user-intensive, interactive features.

Certain safety features were suggested, such as warnings that the user’s level of intoxication is unsafe to drive or shutting down certain apps to prevent texting or spending money while intoxicated. Additionally, participants wanted the opportunity to access alcohol-related education and resources, such as information about drug interactions or mental health issues, guidance on resisting peer pressure or helping a friend, and local treatment and support resources. Some participants recommended an online community of people trying to reduce the negative consequences of drinking, while others felt this could glorify drinking.

The researchers noted that some recommendations from young adults have not been effective in reducing the negative consequences of drinking. Blood alcohol trackers, which are already widely available, can encourage increased alcohol intake. Some research suggests that mindfulness is effective when it focuses on a specific behavior, but research is needed to determine its effectiveness with alcohol-related consequences.

Research shows mixed results on whether online communities reduce drinking outcomes. However, the research suggests that adaptive interventions that emphasize relational factors, are non-judgmental, promote self-awareness, and assess readiness and commitment to change may be attractive to young adults and be more effective at reducing the negative consequences of drinking .