Electronic interventions may have a marginal effect on alcohol misuse, according to a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers examined 28 trials that compared e-interventions (i.e., interventions delivered online, via app, or through interactive voice response over the phone) with active or inactive controls in people with alcohol misuse or alcohol-use disorder. Most trials offered minimal human support.
Overall, interventions may have had a small effect on reducing alcohol consumption (roughly 1 drink less per week) at 6 months, compared with controls. However, there was no effect on 12-month consumption, binge drinking frequency, or social consequences.
