New app trial to be launched for alcohol or drug recovery

On 27 November, Waikato District Health Board’s Mental Health Service will launch the trial of New Zealand’s first smartphone application that provides extra support to people recovering from alcohol or other drug issues.

The name of the app will be announced at the launch, and is powered by the product ACHESS that is proven to help people cope in times when alcohol or drug relapse may occur, without the need to wait for their next counselling appointment.

The launch will be available to watch on @waikatoDHB’s Facebook page via live video at 8am-8.30am Monday 27 November, with presentations and live demonstrations.

The one-year pilot will complement 200 people already receiving care from the DHB via a mobile interface that connects them to their clinical team, recovery community, peers and other resources 24/7.

Waikato DHB’s interim director of mental health and addiction services, Vicki Aitken says “people are impacted by addiction if they don’t feel connected.

“Whanau and other close support are vital parts of recovery, along with active counselling and treatment. The app is an extra tool to help people feel connected and take further ownership of their recovery plan” she said.

“Addiction services and our NGO partners have always done their best to meet demand for their services, but could always do with more resources. This new tool will help complement and support the counselling services we provide.

“Waikato consumers and our team of clinicians and counsellors are really excited and supportive of the trial and look forward to seeing the apps success in the Waikato.”

The app powered by ACHESS has a range of features for patients that are accessed via a smartphone interface. Clinicians and counsellors have access via a web-based dashboard.

Key features include:

A hot button (Beacon) for access to emergency support

GPS detection for when a patient has entered a potential high risk location (optional feature patients can choose to enable)

A variety of supportive resources including video, and audio

Goal setting, journaling and the ability to upload pictures, texts and video that will motivate people to stay clean

Medication and appointment reminders

Recovery tracking and progress.

More about the new app, powered by ACHESS

The University of Wisconsin-designed an app called ACHESS (Addiction Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System), which is now part of the product range by CHESS Mobile Health (www.chessmobilehealth.com).

The partnership between CHESS Mobile Health and Waikato DHB has allowed New Zealand to customise and name a local version powered by ACHESS. DHB mental health staff have chosen the new name.

ACHESS has been successful in halving the rate of relapse among alcoholics in the US. Early testing showed that alcoholics using the tool had a 50 per cent reduction in heavy drinking days; ACHESS found it also resulted in an extension of abstinence rates.