New research[i] suggests that alcohol reduction apps funded by the alcohol industry may be using misleading tactics, omitting important health information, and subtly encouraging users to drink more. The study, led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), is the first to examine alcohol-reduction apps created by the alcohol industry.
The Scope of the Study: Comparing Industry and Independent Apps
Published in Health Promotion International, the study compared 15 alcohol industry-funded apps, such as Drinkaware and Drinkwise, with ten government- or health service-backed apps like the NHS’s Drink Free Days. The study included UK, U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland apps.
Findings: Misleading Tactics in Industry-Funded Apps
The researchers found that all but one of the industry-funded apps failed to provide complete information about the risks of alcohol. These apps are dubbed “dark apps” for their misleading designs that downplay the dangers of alcohol, often nudging users to drink more.
Transparency of Government-Backed Apps
In contrast, government-backed apps were much more transparent about the risks. For example, 90% of these apps informed users about the link between alcohol and cancer, compared to 33% of industry-funded apps. Many industry apps also fail to mention standard drink sizes and weekly limits or properly advise vulnerable groups like pregnant women.
Examples of Misleading Messaging
Examples of misleading messages in the apps included statements like:
- “In Ireland, binge drinking is widely seen as normal” (Drinkaware Ireland).
- “Drinking one standard drink an hour keeps you safe and social” (Cheers!).
- “Moderate drinking may reduce the risk of some diseases” (Éduc’alcool).
Recommendations: Prioritize Independent Health Sources
The researchers urge health professionals and the public to be extremely cautious of these tools and recommend using only independent health sources, like those from national health services.
Aware Recovery Care Is Here To Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other drugs and need help in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, the recovery teams at Aware Recovery Care are here to help. And we come to you, regardless of where you live. Our unique in-home treatment model of care gives clients a significantly better chance of recovery than traditional inpatient rehab care. We are now offering Virtual Detox and Medication Assisted Treatment in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Virginia, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio as well. Please get in touch with one of our Recovery Specialists to learn more.
[i] https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article-abstract/39/5/daae037/7815633
