With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and similar technologies, the mental health industry is seeing a surge of unregulated apps that claim to help individuals reduce substance use. While recovery apps can be a helpful adjunct to professional treatment, they vary in quality, content, and efficacy, and should never be considered an alternative to professional treatment.
What are substance use reduction apps?
As a type of digital therapeutic, recovery apps are intended to aid individuals in decreasing the amount of substances they consume. Many substance use reduction apps use generative artificial intelligence and operate through web browsers or smartphone-based mobile applications. [1] Most substance use reduction apps consist of psychoeducation, audio content, interactive features, and self-monitoring. [4]
Some of these apps and other digital therapeutics – 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, they are stand-alone programs for some people. This makes the lack of oversight and regulation for many of these health tools especially concerning.
Benefits of substance use reduction apps
Research shows that, when compared to a control group, digital interventions such as substance use reduction apps yield small, though statistically significant decreases in weekly alcohol use. [3]Â
Some of the 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 on how to manage 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.
Major concerns and risks
While research does show some positive results from some addiction recovery apps, many of the benefits are limited to decreasing alcohol consumption and do not extend to tobacco or illicit substances. [3][4] In addition, there is limited carryover to other areas of someone’s life, especially when factoring in the harmful effects they can have.
Many mobile health apps advertised in public marketplaces have a strong focus on profitability, leading them to promote products and incorporate ads that will make them money. This can understandably be misleading, especially if the apps are offered to users for free or at a low cost. [1]
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
Unfortunately, many mobile application creators are not penalized for making false health-related claims due to a lack of enforcement. This industry is evolving at a rapid pace, causing lawmakers difficulty in keeping up and finding effective ways to properly monitor new technologies being developed.
The current landscape opens the door for other entrepreneurs to follow suit, increasing the risk of apps being developed on inaccurate information or unsubstantiated recommendations. Regulations could provide more oversight and gatekeeping to ensure that only quality and proven apps could be marketed to individuals in recovery.
Unsupported treatment claims
Unverified treatment promises, such as being able to cure or prevent diseases, should be seen as a red flag for individuals in recovery. Since any medical product must be rigorously tested in order to make statements like these, users should be wary of apps that use such verbiage.
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 their 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 they are created by mental health and substance use disorder experts, these apps can prove beneficial in helping users safely and gradually reduce the amount of substances they consume. However, as with traditional therapy methods, 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.
