SC Connecticut News

A recent study conducted by Yale University has found that a digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program is more effective than traditional clinician-delivered CBT in promoting alcohol abstinence among patients. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed that participants using the web-based program, CBT4CBT, increased their alcohol-free days by over 50%, surpassing the results of standard outpatient care or clinician-led CBT.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a well-established treatment for alcohol use, involving exercises to help patients manage stress and triggers. The digital CBT4CBT includes videos with actors demonstrating cognitive behavioral skills, interactive exercises, quizzes, and practice tasks.

The study demonstrated that the digital program, when paired with brief monitoring, was superior in enhancing alcohol abstinence and increasing the use of cognitive and behavioral coping strategies. Researchers emphasized the effectiveness of CBT4CBT in reducing alcohol consumption and boosting abstinence with minimal clinical support.

Brian D. Kiluk, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry and lead author of the study, noted the growing number of mental health apps but highlighted that few have empirical backing. "CBT4CBT is one of the exceptions," he stated. Kiluk described CBT4CBT as being rooted in evidence-based strategies presented in an engaging format. He added that it provides additional evidence for its effectiveness alongside minimal clinical support.

Kiluk clarified that the digital program is not meant to replace therapists but rather to enhance access to effective tools for addressing substance use. Developed by Kathleen M. Carroll, PhD, and colleagues at Yale's Psychotherapy Development Center in 2008, CBT4CBT aims to consistently deliver high-quality cognitive behavioral therapy skills training.

The clinical trial involved 99 participants assigned either to the digital program or standard care or therapist-provided CBT over an eight-month period. Other Yale contributors included Bryan Benitez, PhD; Elise DeVito, PhD; Tami Frankforter; Donna LaPaglia, PsyD; Stephanie O'Malley, PhD; and Charla Nich.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism funded the study through the National Institutes of Health. Kiluk serves as a consultant for CBT4CBT LLC which offers commercial versions of the program to qualified providers and organizations under managed conflict by Yale University.