Author: University of Bristol
Source: Medical Xpress
Publish date: January 29, 2025
Study finds alcohol app reduces harm and saves NHS millions
The Drink Less app can be a powerful tool in reducing alcohol consumption and improving public health, a study published in Value in Health has shown.
A recent randomised controlled trial has demonstrated that the free app is effective at helping heavier drinkers to cut down their drinking. This new study, led by the University of Sheffield and including the University of Bristol, explored the potential long-term impacts of different approaches to promote Drink Less to a wider audience.
The analysis found that a national mass media campaign would lead to an estimated 2,600 fewer deaths and 108,600 fewer hospital admissions over the next 20 years, saving the NHS £417 million. Encouraging GPs to promote the app is estimated to have an even larger impact, saving the NHS £500 million by reducing alcohol related deaths by 4,600 and hospital admissions by 188,400.
The study, conducted using the Sheffield Alcohol Policy Model, estimated the biggest health gains were likely to be in the most deprived groups, helping to narrow existing health inequalities.
Colin Angus, professor of alcohol policy at the University of Sheffield and lead author of the study, said, “Many people in the UK recognise that they drink too much and want to cut down. Rates of heavier drinking increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic and we have seen alcohol-specific deaths increase by 42% since 2019, with 23 people dying in England every day as a direct result of their drinking.
“This research suggests digital interventions like the Drink Less app have the potential to play a crucial role in addressing these alarming increases in harms by helping people reduce their alcohol intake, improve their health, while also saving the NHS money.
Dr. Claire Garnett, research fellow in the School of Psychological Science at University of Bristol and chief investigator on the Drink Less trial, said, “By making tools, like Drink Less, readily available and integrating them into existing health care systems, we can not only improve people’s individual health outcomes but also contribute to a more equitable and healthier society.
“However, we must be mindful that digital health apps don’t suit everybody and are one valuable tool in the box. We need a national strategy to address alcohol harm that also includes other effective interventions and policies, such as making alcohol less cheap and less available, less heavily marketed, and improving access to alcohol treatment and support.”
The Drink Less app, developed at University College London (UCL), has been proven to be an effective tool in helping people reduce their alcohol consumption. The app has been used by TV and radio presenter Adrian Chiles who has spoken about how he used the app to reduce his weekly alcohol intake.
The new research found the app is particularly effective in helping people to cut back on their alcohol intake when integrated into primary care settings—for example, encouraging health care professionals to recommend the app to patients during consultations. The findings estimated this to be more effective than using a large-scale public awareness campaign to increase downloads and use of the app.
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