With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and similar technologies, there has been a surge of unregulated apps that claim to help individuals reduce substance use and help with recovery. While recovery apps can be a helpful tool alongside professional treatment, the variance in quality and their unproven efficacy means they should not be considered an alternative to professional treatment.
What are substance use reduction apps?
Recovery apps are intended to ease the recovery process for those who have been through substance addiction treatment, and for those looking to reduce their substance use. Many substance use reduction apps use generative AI or implement reward-based incentives like those seen in video games.[1] Most substance use reduction apps consist of psychoeducation, audio content, interactive features, and self-monitoring.[4]
Some of these apps and other digital therapeutic services, such as virtual reality and video games, have approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [2] Though professionals urge patients to use these tools in combination with therapy for the best outcomes, many use them on their own without professional intervention. This makes the lack of oversight and regulation for many of these health tools a cause for concern.
Benefits of substance use reduction apps
As recovery apps are still an emerging technology, studies and evidence of their efficacy are limited. However, research carried out on alcohol consumption reduction apps found that they showed a small yet notable decrease in weekly alcohol use. [3]Â
Other potential benefits of recovery apps, when used in tandem with professional treatments, include:
- Access to media and resources to build recovery, coping, and regulation skills.
- Reminders and notifications to build structure and accountability for recovery.
- Practice opportunities for recovery and coping skills.
- Tips for managing cravings, urges, and difficult thoughts and feelings.
- Information on addiction and recovery-related topics.
- Templates, worksheets, and tools to track successes, setbacks, and progress over time.
Concerns from treatment providers
Many mobile health apps advertised in public marketplaces have a focus on profitability, leading them to promote products and incorporate ads that can distract from recovery efforts. This can understandably be misleading, especially if the apps are offered to users for free or at a low cost.[1]
Withdrawal management is also a concern, as certain substance use disorders, such as opioid or alcohol dependence, can require medication-assisted treatment to avoid harmful withdrawal symptoms. Individuals with these use disorders who have chosen to use an app over seeking professional help may not be aware of how harmful their withdrawal symptoms may be.
Some of the potential concerns and risks for recovery app use include:
- Unverified information & quality of content.
- Should not be used as a substitute for professional treatment.
- Privacy and tracking concerns.
- Unregulated and may contain corporate or private interests and bias.
Lack of regulation
The recovery application industry is evolving at a rapid pace, causing lawmakers difficulty in keeping up and finding effective ways to properly regulate new technologies being developed.
The success of recovery apps may lead to poorly designed imitators flooding the market, increasing the risk of apps being developed on inaccurate or harmful information. Regulations could provide more oversight and gatekeeping to ensure that only apps using evidence-proven techniques are allowed into app stores.
Privacy and data exploitation
Any apps used for health purposes must adhere to certain data standards, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This ensures the security of any information shared through the app as well as the user’s privacy. If a substance use reduction app follows HIPAA guidelines, there should be a clear and easy-to-find statement outlining this, along with an explanation of how all its data is used and stored. Without these regulations, users have no way of knowing where their information will go.
Many recovery apps do not fall under the regulations of the HIPAA guidelines, so users should avoid sharing personal identifying or health information on the app. Other privacy and data exploitation concerns are also possible, with some apps sharing user information with third parties. The use of cookies and personalized ads can also be a concern for app users, who are commonly built into free recovery apps.
Potential to undermine real treatment
If individuals are using unregulated substance use reduction apps, especially as the sole form of health management, they are likely to experience delays in recovery. Individuals with substance use disorders are unlikely to get diagnosed and connected with proper treatment, meaning they may experience complications that impact their quality of life.
In some instances, information, recommendations, and skills presented on recovery apps will conflict with information provided by addiction treatment professionals. Asking for recovery app recommendations from professional treatment providers will help to minimize these risks and provide options that are aligned with the treatments being provided.
What makes an app evidence-based?
It takes numerous studies, often conducted over the course of several years, in order for something to be considered ‘evidence-based’. Substance use reduction apps must have important cornerstones such as independent evaluations in scientific journals, adherence to stringent data standards, and citations of peer-reviewed studies or other scholarly research. [1] These all show that an app is evidence-based and uses the proper channels to provide sound clinical content.
In addition, apps should be transparent about their creators. Those made in partnership with or by professional organizations, qualified clinicians, and other experts in the field are considered the most trustworthy. Without this credibility, it becomes less likely that the app will receive the research attention needed to be considered an evidence-based tool.
How to evaluate substance use reduction apps
The best way to avoid unregulated substance use reduction apps is to pay careful attention to the verbiage they use and the presence of any unrealistic or overly simplified health claims. In addition, consumers should follow these steps:
- Look online for user reviews to gather information from others in the recovery community about whether they found an app helpful.
- Research an app’s security policies and look at their policies related to privacy, ads, and financial and marketing disclosures to learn how your information will be used, stored, or shared.
- Read about the app’s developers, experts who have vetted the app, and any research institutions or healthcare organizations that have collaborated on the creation of the app.
- Pair substance use reduction apps with face-to-face or even virtual talk therapies with a mental health professional, and ask your professional care team about their recommendations and input on recovery apps.
- Monitor your own personal experiences while using the app and note the impact it is having, if any, on your recovery.
Can these apps replace treatment?
Recovery apps should never be considered a substitute or replacement for professional addiction treatment. If their development is overseen by mental health and substance use disorder experts, and they use evidence-based techniques to ease recovery, then they may be beneficial in helping users. However, these apps are considered most effective when combined with other therapies such as counseling and medication. [2]
When to seek professional help
If your substance use habits are leading you to experience distress or are majorly disrupting one or more areas of your life, a substance use disorder treatment professional can help. These areas include your ability to work, attend school, maintain your relationships, fulfill personal responsibilities, and get enough sleep.
A substance use disorder treatment professional will create a comprehensive treatment plan to address your substance consumption, build skills for healthier living, and enhance your ability to perform in any of the above areas.
