Tackling Alcohol Addiction with Innovative Technology

The Challenge

Addiction remains a common yet widely misunderstood health condition with the prevailing stigma often preventing affected individuals from seeking information and support.

Project Overview 

This pioneering research led by Professor Dan Lubman, explores the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a resonance-breathing, brain-body calming training program delivered via a smartphone app to reduce alcohol cravings and consumption. 

Study participants will wear a Garmin wristband that continuously records heart rate syncing with the app to record the beat-to-beat variation in heart rate and the impact of the training practices. Additional measures related to emotional and cognitive functioning will also be measured at baseline and post-intervention.

‍Project Outcomes

The intended outcome is to lead to better clinical pathways for safe, remote, non-invasive patient monitoring to facilitate better patient management and for health systems to benefit through the cost-effective use of resources. 

Measuring Impact

Hearts and Minds measures its impact across six core categories as developed by the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes. Key highlights include:

Research Capacity Building

• Collaboration: This project is a collaboration between Monash University, Turning Point, Felix, and Total Brain.
• Lived Experience Researcher: Dr. Ari Roxburgh is a lived experience researcher, helping to develop this under-represented group's career in addiction research.‍
• External Committees: Researchers are involved in a number of external committees consulting for state and federal governments, and on peak body committees.

Health Impacts

• Improved Health Outcomes: The project aims to enhance health outcomes through the wider adoption of this intervention.

Social Impacts

• Access to Treatment: The intervention is expected to increase access to evidence-based treatments, reducing the harm caused by alcohol consumption.‍
• Peer Support Organisations: Strong links with peer organisations provide avenues for integrating the intervention.

Economic Impacts

• ‍Reduced Costs and Commercialisation: The research aims to lower costs and explore commercialisation opportunities.

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The project has recently launched with targeted advertising aimed at Victorians seeking to reduce their alcohol consumption. Over 120 individuals have already expressed interest in participating. This early response highlights the strong appeal of a smartwatch-facilitated biofeedback intervention to support alcohol reduction.

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‍Funding support from Hearts and Minds Investments, as nominated by Core Fund Manager, Cooper Investors.

For further information and updates, visit Turning Point. This content was last updated in July 2024.