AIDA: AI for digital alcohol interventions

Background
Jellinek offers a free online self-help program for people with alcohol problems, based on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. This self-help program focuses on preventing excessive alcohol use. Online interventions have many advantages: they are easily accessible, flexible, available to a wide audience, and cost-effective compared to traditional treatment. However, a well-known challenge of online interventions is adherence – sticking with and completing the program. Previous research shows that guidance can help increase adherence. Since involving human counselors is not always feasible, there is a need for innovative healthcare solutions that can offer support in other ways.

Research aim
The aim of this project is to investigate whether a chatbot and other AI-driven elements, such as personalized messages, can improve the adherence to and effectiveness of the online self-help program. By using AI, we hope to better support users and encourage them to complete the program in full.
In the coming years, we will develop and test a chatbot and personalized features within the online self-help program. These AI elements will be designed with input from self-help participants, clinicians, and experts to ensure they closely meet the needs of the users.

Expected Outcome
We expect that the addition of AI elements will increase adherence to the online self-help program. This project will not only provide valuable insights into the use of AI in addiction care but will also contribute to further improvements in digital healthcare.