User reviews of smartphone apps to reduce alcohol use
Most people who use alcohol in harmful and hazardous ways do not perceive a need for treatment despite consequences and community impacts. Scalable digital interventions – such as smartphone apps – are easily accessible and can “meet people where they are” potentially helping to engage them better and support their efforts to cut down or stop. This study analyzed real-world user reviews of alcohol-specific reduction apps to explore which features encourage or discourage app use, and how these insights could inform the design of more helpful and engaging digital tools for reducing alcohol use.
Most of the 30 million individuals with alcohol use disorder have milder forms of the disorder while 58 million people engage in binge alcohol use (5+ drinks for males or 4+ for females on the same occasion). Even these less severe forms of risky alcohol use can cause substantial life altering consequences for these individuals and others in their community (e.g., via risks from driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, etc.). However, these individuals are unlikely to perceive a need for treatment or recovery support services. Digital alcohol interventions, including smartphone apps, have been proposed as scalable tools to help address these clinical and public health needs. However, alcohol reduction apps widely available in the Apple and Google Play stores vary greatly in quality and effectiveness, and few have been formally studied. Many of these apps are owned and operated by commercial entities with little oversight or regulation, and app store environments are crowded with low-quality offerings that may discourage or delay individuals from finding legitimate, evidence-based options. Engagement with mobile health apps is also a challenge, as long-term use often declines over time. There is a critical need to evaluate these apps to identify which ones are useful and which features users find most helpful. One way to better understand what supports sustained engagement and to assess app quality is to analyze reviews from people who have used the app. This study examined reviews of freely available alcohol reduction apps to identify potential evidence-based options and explore which app features users found helpful or unhelpful.
HOW WAS THIS STUDY CONDUCTED?
This study was a qualitative content analysis of real-world user reviews of alcohol reduction mobile apps, designed to identify features that might influence their usefulness and adoption. The researchers followed a multi-step process to identify relevant apps, beginning with a search of the Google Play and Apple App Stores for apps focused on alcohol. Given that alcohol use disorder often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, the search terms included: “alcohol,” “alcohol and depression,” “alcohol and anxiety,” “alcohol and PTSD,” and “alcohol and ADHD.” From 425 unique apps identified, duplicates were removed, and the remaining apps were excluded if they: a) were not focused on reducing alcohol use (e.g., apps for purchasing alcohol, drinking games), b) operated as for-profit models (i.e., included in-app purchases), c) served a single purpose only (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators), d) were not in English, or e) lacked credible backing (i.e., no scientific evidence or support from a government agency or reputable organization). This process resulted in 8 apps selected for analysis of user reviews: VetChange, SMART Recovery, DrinkCoach, SayingWhen, AlcoStat, Celebrate Recovery, TryDry, and Construction Industry Helpline. The number of user reviews varied across apps. For apps with a high volume of reviews (TryDry and Celebrate Recovery), analysis was limited to the 50 most recent reviews per app store (100 reviews per app). For the remaining apps, all available reviews were included. In total, 370 unique reviews were analyzed.
For the qualitative analysis, the authors used “conventional” content analysis, an inductive approach where themes are identified directly from the data. Reviews were coded at the level of individual utterances – phrases or sentences separated by punctuation or conjunctions – resulting in 1,353 coded utterances. The 2 authors first independently coded 1/3 of the reviews to develop an initial codebook. They then compared and refined codes, applied the revised codebook to another third of the reviews, and finalized the codebook once interrater consistency exceeded 80%. The remaining data were coded using this final codebook (see table below with codes, definitions, and examples), with any discrepancies discussed and resolved by consensus.
WHAT DID THIS STUDY FIND?
The majority of alcohol-focused apps were excluded from the study
Out of more than 400 unique apps initially identified, only 8 met the study’s inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Most apps returned in app store searches were excluded because they were for-profit, designed for purchasing alcohol or playing drinking games, or had a very limited focus (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators).
App users commonly praised the apps and valued tracking and gamification features
Over 1/3 of coded utterances (36.8%) contained praise for an alcohol reduction app (see graph below for the top 5 identified themes). Many users highlighted perceived benefits such as reductions in drinking and improved sleep attributed to app use. Slightly more than 1 in 10 utterances (11.1%) mentioned tools such as those that helped track drinking, cravings, mood, calories, or costs (7.8%). Other positively mentioned tools included time- and location-specific reminders, coping tools, goal-setting features, community resources, and psychoeducational content. While mentioned less frequently (2.3% of utterances), gamification features like badges and celebratory animations (e.g., confetti) were well received when present.
Constructive suggestions focused on personalization and technical issues
A small proportion of utterances offered suggestions for improvement (8.8%) or criticism (7.8%). These focused on areas for potential enhancement, such as more customizable tracking, personalized reminders, and improved app interfaces. Some users noted that apps originating in the UK (e.g., TryDry) did not allow for changing units of measurement, and that flexibility for American users would improve drink tracking. Others wished for additional tracking features, such as the ability to add notes to provide context around drinking events, or the option for daily reminders and notifications to support accurate tracking. About 1 in 20 utterances (5.8%) reported technical glitches, including issues with reliability and ease of navigation.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY FINDINGS?
Findings from this study highlight that most alcohol-related apps in app marketplaces are not, on the face of it, evidence-based or otherwise reputable tools for reducing drinking – and those that are can be difficult to locate. Still, results suggest that individuals who choose to leave comments often find alcohol reduction apps helpful and offer insights into which features they find most valuable (e.g., tracking, gamification) and where improvements are needed (e.g., personalization, flexibility). These findings align with prior research and point to key opportunities for future app development, evaluation, and regulatory oversight.
Overall, findings indicate that individuals are actively turning to digital tools to support their efforts to reduce alcohol use – and that some find these tools beneficial. This aligns with a growing body of evidence supporting the promise of low-threshold, scalable digital interventions for people who face barriers to traditional treatment or prefer to self-manage their drinking. Notably, however, it is not clear what proportion of the sample had alcohol use disorder or engaged in otherwise harmful and hazardous alcohol use. Knowing whether and to what degree individuals that use alcohol reduction apps have alcohol use disorder symptoms and consequences would be helpful to understanding their ultimate utility.
Many app users shared positive feedback, citing benefits such as reduced alcohol use and improved sleep. Consistent with prior work on digital interventions for alcohol use, users emphasized the value of features that are personalized and engaging, such as tools to support drink and mood tracking and motivational reinforcement through gamification (e.g., badges or celebratory animations). Yet, despite their perceived value, features like gamification remain underutilized across alcohol reduction apps. At the same time, users voiced frustrations and offered suggestions for improvement, particularly around personalization and usability. These shortcomings may hinder long-term engagement, which is a known barrier to the long-term effectiveness of mobile health interventions for substance use.
This study also reinforces ongoing concerns about the accessibility, credibility, and safety of widely available alcohol reduction apps. Most alcohol-focused apps identified through app store searches either promoted drinking, had a narrow focus (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators), or lacked a face-valid evidence base. Those that were scientifically supported were often difficult to locate using common search terms, underscoring persistent challenges in the dissemination of effective digital health tools. These findings raise broader concerns about the reliability of commercial app marketplaces and highlight the need for stronger regulatory oversight, including improved app store search algorithms and greater visibility for empirically supported, vetted options. The vast majority of alcohol reduction apps have not undergone rigorous evaluation for efficacy or safety. While user reviews can offer useful insights into perceived usability and helpfulness, they are no substitute for evidence generated through randomized controlled trials or well-designed observational studies. As it stands, individuals searching app stores for help with their drinking may unknowingly engage with untested or even potentially harmful apps, while missing opportunities to access high-quality, evidence-based tools that can be difficult to find in cluttered, unregulated app marketplaces. These challenges highlight an urgent need for stronger scientific evaluation, clearer public health guidance, and policies that ensure evidence-based digital alcohol interventions are both accessible and actively promoted to the public.
This study focused exclusively on free, English-language apps without in-app purchases. As a result, the findings may not generalize to all alcohol-related apps, particularly paid apps or those available in other languages.
The analysis was based on a limited number of recent user reviews, which may not capture the full range of user experiences, especially for apps with fewer reviews. Additionally, user reviews may disproportionately reflect opinions from individuals with particularly strong positive or negative experiences, potentially skewing the results.
It is unclear whether the populations of users actually suffered from alcohol use disorder so generalizability to that population is unknown.
BOTTOM LINE
Alcohol reduction smartphone apps have the potential to help broad populations reduce or quit drinking, particularly individuals who may not seek formal treatment. Findings from this study – based on user reviews of alcohol reduction apps from Apple and Google Play app stores – suggest that some people do find these apps helpful, especially when they include features like tracking and gamification. Users also identified opportunities for improvement, such as greater personalization and flexibility, underscoring the importance of user-centered design in future alcohol reduction app development. However, findings also highlight that the broader digital ecosystem remains problematic, as app marketplaces are crowded with low-quality, untested offerings that make it difficult for individuals to find the few options using evidence-based tools that are currently available. To better protect and support individuals seeking digital help for their drinking, it will be critical for researchers to establish evidence as to which of these apps are effective at helping people reduce their drinking and for policy makers to implement safeguards that promote access to evidence-based apps while limiting exposure to ineffective or potentially harmful apps.
For individuals and families seeking recovery: This study analyzed real-world user reviews of smartphone apps designed to help people reduce or quit drinking. Many user reviews indicated that these apps were perceived as helpful for reducing alcohol use. For individuals who may be hesitant to seek formal treatment, such apps can offer a low-barrier, flexible option to begin making positive changes, but it is unclear from this study if people with more serious alcohol problems and alcohol use disorder are likely to use and benefit from these kinds of apps. Also, app stores are crowded with low quality tools that have not been scientifically tested. When exploring digital options, it is important to look for apps that are supported by research or developed by trusted health organizations to ensure the best chance of finding safe, effective support.
For treatment professionals and treatment systems: Findings from this study suggest that individuals are turning to publicly available smartphone apps to support their efforts to reduce drinking. Treatment providers are encouraged to stay informed about the digital tools their clients may be using and consider how these apps might align with, and could be integrated into care – for example, to reinforce skills, track progress, or support behavior change between sessions. When incorporating or recommending such tools, it is essential they are grounded in evidence-based practices or supported by scientific research.
For scientists: Findings from this study highlight that some users of alcohol reduction smartphone apps perceive them as helpful, particularly valuing features like tracking and gamification, while also expressing a desire for greater personalization and flexibility. These insights offer direction for researchers developing new digital interventions or aiming to improve existing tools. At the same time, findings underscore the oversaturation of app stores with low-quality, untested offerings. It is unclear who in particular is using these kinds of apps and which types of alcohol problems may be best helped by their use. There is a critical need for rigorous evaluation of publicly available alcohol reduction apps to determine which are truly effective, for whom, and under what conditions. Such work is essential to guide individuals and health systems and professionals toward safe, evidence-based digital options.
For policy makers: Findings from this study indicate many individuals are using publicly available smartphone apps to support efforts to reduce their alcohol use. However, app marketplaces are largely unregulated, and the quality and credibility of these offerings vary widely, with many lacking scientific evidence of effectiveness. To protect consumers and improve access to safe, effective digital tools, policy makers could consider establishing regulations or standards to ensure that alcohol reduction apps are evidence-based. Such efforts could reduce the risk of harm from unproven tools and help guide individuals toward clinically tested interventions.
Most of the 30 million individuals with alcohol use disorder have milder forms of the disorder while 58 million people engage in binge alcohol use (5+ drinks for males or 4+ for females on the same occasion). Even these less severe forms of risky alcohol use can cause substantial life altering consequences for these individuals and others in their community (e.g., via risks from driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, etc.). However, these individuals are unlikely to perceive a need for treatment or recovery support services. Digital alcohol interventions, including smartphone apps, have been proposed as scalable tools to help address these clinical and public health needs. However, alcohol reduction apps widely available in the Apple and Google Play stores vary greatly in quality and effectiveness, and few have been formally studied. Many of these apps are owned and operated by commercial entities with little oversight or regulation, and app store environments are crowded with low-quality offerings that may discourage or delay individuals from finding legitimate, evidence-based options. Engagement with mobile health apps is also a challenge, as long-term use often declines over time. There is a critical need to evaluate these apps to identify which ones are useful and which features users find most helpful. One way to better understand what supports sustained engagement and to assess app quality is to analyze reviews from people who have used the app. This study examined reviews of freely available alcohol reduction apps to identify potential evidence-based options and explore which app features users found helpful or unhelpful.
HOW WAS THIS STUDY CONDUCTED?
This study was a qualitative content analysis of real-world user reviews of alcohol reduction mobile apps, designed to identify features that might influence their usefulness and adoption. The researchers followed a multi-step process to identify relevant apps, beginning with a search of the Google Play and Apple App Stores for apps focused on alcohol. Given that alcohol use disorder often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, the search terms included: “alcohol,” “alcohol and depression,” “alcohol and anxiety,” “alcohol and PTSD,” and “alcohol and ADHD.” From 425 unique apps identified, duplicates were removed, and the remaining apps were excluded if they: a) were not focused on reducing alcohol use (e.g., apps for purchasing alcohol, drinking games), b) operated as for-profit models (i.e., included in-app purchases), c) served a single purpose only (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators), d) were not in English, or e) lacked credible backing (i.e., no scientific evidence or support from a government agency or reputable organization). This process resulted in 8 apps selected for analysis of user reviews: VetChange, SMART Recovery, DrinkCoach, SayingWhen, AlcoStat, Celebrate Recovery, TryDry, and Construction Industry Helpline. The number of user reviews varied across apps. For apps with a high volume of reviews (TryDry and Celebrate Recovery), analysis was limited to the 50 most recent reviews per app store (100 reviews per app). For the remaining apps, all available reviews were included. In total, 370 unique reviews were analyzed.
For the qualitative analysis, the authors used “conventional” content analysis, an inductive approach where themes are identified directly from the data. Reviews were coded at the level of individual utterances – phrases or sentences separated by punctuation or conjunctions – resulting in 1,353 coded utterances. The 2 authors first independently coded 1/3 of the reviews to develop an initial codebook. They then compared and refined codes, applied the revised codebook to another third of the reviews, and finalized the codebook once interrater consistency exceeded 80%. The remaining data were coded using this final codebook (see table below with codes, definitions, and examples), with any discrepancies discussed and resolved by consensus.
WHAT DID THIS STUDY FIND?
The majority of alcohol-focused apps were excluded from the study
Out of more than 400 unique apps initially identified, only 8 met the study’s inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Most apps returned in app store searches were excluded because they were for-profit, designed for purchasing alcohol or playing drinking games, or had a very limited focus (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators).
App users commonly praised the apps and valued tracking and gamification features
Over 1/3 of coded utterances (36.8%) contained praise for an alcohol reduction app (see graph below for the top 5 identified themes). Many users highlighted perceived benefits such as reductions in drinking and improved sleep attributed to app use. Slightly more than 1 in 10 utterances (11.1%) mentioned tools such as those that helped track drinking, cravings, mood, calories, or costs (7.8%). Other positively mentioned tools included time- and location-specific reminders, coping tools, goal-setting features, community resources, and psychoeducational content. While mentioned less frequently (2.3% of utterances), gamification features like badges and celebratory animations (e.g., confetti) were well received when present.
Constructive suggestions focused on personalization and technical issues
A small proportion of utterances offered suggestions for improvement (8.8%) or criticism (7.8%). These focused on areas for potential enhancement, such as more customizable tracking, personalized reminders, and improved app interfaces. Some users noted that apps originating in the UK (e.g., TryDry) did not allow for changing units of measurement, and that flexibility for American users would improve drink tracking. Others wished for additional tracking features, such as the ability to add notes to provide context around drinking events, or the option for daily reminders and notifications to support accurate tracking. About 1 in 20 utterances (5.8%) reported technical glitches, including issues with reliability and ease of navigation.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY FINDINGS?
Findings from this study highlight that most alcohol-related apps in app marketplaces are not, on the face of it, evidence-based or otherwise reputable tools for reducing drinking – and those that are can be difficult to locate. Still, results suggest that individuals who choose to leave comments often find alcohol reduction apps helpful and offer insights into which features they find most valuable (e.g., tracking, gamification) and where improvements are needed (e.g., personalization, flexibility). These findings align with prior research and point to key opportunities for future app development, evaluation, and regulatory oversight.
Overall, findings indicate that individuals are actively turning to digital tools to support their efforts to reduce alcohol use – and that some find these tools beneficial. This aligns with a growing body of evidence supporting the promise of low-threshold, scalable digital interventions for people who face barriers to traditional treatment or prefer to self-manage their drinking. Notably, however, it is not clear what proportion of the sample had alcohol use disorder or engaged in otherwise harmful and hazardous alcohol use. Knowing whether and to what degree individuals that use alcohol reduction apps have alcohol use disorder symptoms and consequences would be helpful to understanding their ultimate utility.
Many app users shared positive feedback, citing benefits such as reduced alcohol use and improved sleep. Consistent with prior work on digital interventions for alcohol use, users emphasized the value of features that are personalized and engaging, such as tools to support drink and mood tracking and motivational reinforcement through gamification (e.g., badges or celebratory animations). Yet, despite their perceived value, features like gamification remain underutilized across alcohol reduction apps. At the same time, users voiced frustrations and offered suggestions for improvement, particularly around personalization and usability. These shortcomings may hinder long-term engagement, which is a known barrier to the long-term effectiveness of mobile health interventions for substance use.
This study also reinforces ongoing concerns about the accessibility, credibility, and safety of widely available alcohol reduction apps. Most alcohol-focused apps identified through app store searches either promoted drinking, had a narrow focus (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators), or lacked a face-valid evidence base. Those that were scientifically supported were often difficult to locate using common search terms, underscoring persistent challenges in the dissemination of effective digital health tools. These findings raise broader concerns about the reliability of commercial app marketplaces and highlight the need for stronger regulatory oversight, including improved app store search algorithms and greater visibility for empirically supported, vetted options. The vast majority of alcohol reduction apps have not undergone rigorous evaluation for efficacy or safety. While user reviews can offer useful insights into perceived usability and helpfulness, they are no substitute for evidence generated through randomized controlled trials or well-designed observational studies. As it stands, individuals searching app stores for help with their drinking may unknowingly engage with untested or even potentially harmful apps, while missing opportunities to access high-quality, evidence-based tools that can be difficult to find in cluttered, unregulated app marketplaces. These challenges highlight an urgent need for stronger scientific evaluation, clearer public health guidance, and policies that ensure evidence-based digital alcohol interventions are both accessible and actively promoted to the public.
This study focused exclusively on free, English-language apps without in-app purchases. As a result, the findings may not generalize to all alcohol-related apps, particularly paid apps or those available in other languages.
The analysis was based on a limited number of recent user reviews, which may not capture the full range of user experiences, especially for apps with fewer reviews. Additionally, user reviews may disproportionately reflect opinions from individuals with particularly strong positive or negative experiences, potentially skewing the results.
It is unclear whether the populations of users actually suffered from alcohol use disorder so generalizability to that population is unknown.
BOTTOM LINE
Alcohol reduction smartphone apps have the potential to help broad populations reduce or quit drinking, particularly individuals who may not seek formal treatment. Findings from this study – based on user reviews of alcohol reduction apps from Apple and Google Play app stores – suggest that some people do find these apps helpful, especially when they include features like tracking and gamification. Users also identified opportunities for improvement, such as greater personalization and flexibility, underscoring the importance of user-centered design in future alcohol reduction app development. However, findings also highlight that the broader digital ecosystem remains problematic, as app marketplaces are crowded with low-quality, untested offerings that make it difficult for individuals to find the few options using evidence-based tools that are currently available. To better protect and support individuals seeking digital help for their drinking, it will be critical for researchers to establish evidence as to which of these apps are effective at helping people reduce their drinking and for policy makers to implement safeguards that promote access to evidence-based apps while limiting exposure to ineffective or potentially harmful apps.
For individuals and families seeking recovery: This study analyzed real-world user reviews of smartphone apps designed to help people reduce or quit drinking. Many user reviews indicated that these apps were perceived as helpful for reducing alcohol use. For individuals who may be hesitant to seek formal treatment, such apps can offer a low-barrier, flexible option to begin making positive changes, but it is unclear from this study if people with more serious alcohol problems and alcohol use disorder are likely to use and benefit from these kinds of apps. Also, app stores are crowded with low quality tools that have not been scientifically tested. When exploring digital options, it is important to look for apps that are supported by research or developed by trusted health organizations to ensure the best chance of finding safe, effective support.
For treatment professionals and treatment systems: Findings from this study suggest that individuals are turning to publicly available smartphone apps to support their efforts to reduce drinking. Treatment providers are encouraged to stay informed about the digital tools their clients may be using and consider how these apps might align with, and could be integrated into care – for example, to reinforce skills, track progress, or support behavior change between sessions. When incorporating or recommending such tools, it is essential they are grounded in evidence-based practices or supported by scientific research.
For scientists: Findings from this study highlight that some users of alcohol reduction smartphone apps perceive them as helpful, particularly valuing features like tracking and gamification, while also expressing a desire for greater personalization and flexibility. These insights offer direction for researchers developing new digital interventions or aiming to improve existing tools. At the same time, findings underscore the oversaturation of app stores with low-quality, untested offerings. It is unclear who in particular is using these kinds of apps and which types of alcohol problems may be best helped by their use. There is a critical need for rigorous evaluation of publicly available alcohol reduction apps to determine which are truly effective, for whom, and under what conditions. Such work is essential to guide individuals and health systems and professionals toward safe, evidence-based digital options.
For policy makers: Findings from this study indicate many individuals are using publicly available smartphone apps to support efforts to reduce their alcohol use. However, app marketplaces are largely unregulated, and the quality and credibility of these offerings vary widely, with many lacking scientific evidence of effectiveness. To protect consumers and improve access to safe, effective digital tools, policy makers could consider establishing regulations or standards to ensure that alcohol reduction apps are evidence-based. Such efforts could reduce the risk of harm from unproven tools and help guide individuals toward clinically tested interventions.
Most of the 30 million individuals with alcohol use disorder have milder forms of the disorder while 58 million people engage in binge alcohol use (5+ drinks for males or 4+ for females on the same occasion). Even these less severe forms of risky alcohol use can cause substantial life altering consequences for these individuals and others in their community (e.g., via risks from driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, etc.). However, these individuals are unlikely to perceive a need for treatment or recovery support services. Digital alcohol interventions, including smartphone apps, have been proposed as scalable tools to help address these clinical and public health needs. However, alcohol reduction apps widely available in the Apple and Google Play stores vary greatly in quality and effectiveness, and few have been formally studied. Many of these apps are owned and operated by commercial entities with little oversight or regulation, and app store environments are crowded with low-quality offerings that may discourage or delay individuals from finding legitimate, evidence-based options. Engagement with mobile health apps is also a challenge, as long-term use often declines over time. There is a critical need to evaluate these apps to identify which ones are useful and which features users find most helpful. One way to better understand what supports sustained engagement and to assess app quality is to analyze reviews from people who have used the app. This study examined reviews of freely available alcohol reduction apps to identify potential evidence-based options and explore which app features users found helpful or unhelpful.
HOW WAS THIS STUDY CONDUCTED?
This study was a qualitative content analysis of real-world user reviews of alcohol reduction mobile apps, designed to identify features that might influence their usefulness and adoption. The researchers followed a multi-step process to identify relevant apps, beginning with a search of the Google Play and Apple App Stores for apps focused on alcohol. Given that alcohol use disorder often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, the search terms included: “alcohol,” “alcohol and depression,” “alcohol and anxiety,” “alcohol and PTSD,” and “alcohol and ADHD.” From 425 unique apps identified, duplicates were removed, and the remaining apps were excluded if they: a) were not focused on reducing alcohol use (e.g., apps for purchasing alcohol, drinking games), b) operated as for-profit models (i.e., included in-app purchases), c) served a single purpose only (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators), d) were not in English, or e) lacked credible backing (i.e., no scientific evidence or support from a government agency or reputable organization). This process resulted in 8 apps selected for analysis of user reviews: VetChange, SMART Recovery, DrinkCoach, SayingWhen, AlcoStat, Celebrate Recovery, TryDry, and Construction Industry Helpline. The number of user reviews varied across apps. For apps with a high volume of reviews (TryDry and Celebrate Recovery), analysis was limited to the 50 most recent reviews per app store (100 reviews per app). For the remaining apps, all available reviews were included. In total, 370 unique reviews were analyzed.
For the qualitative analysis, the authors used “conventional” content analysis, an inductive approach where themes are identified directly from the data. Reviews were coded at the level of individual utterances – phrases or sentences separated by punctuation or conjunctions – resulting in 1,353 coded utterances. The 2 authors first independently coded 1/3 of the reviews to develop an initial codebook. They then compared and refined codes, applied the revised codebook to another third of the reviews, and finalized the codebook once interrater consistency exceeded 80%. The remaining data were coded using this final codebook (see table below with codes, definitions, and examples), with any discrepancies discussed and resolved by consensus.
WHAT DID THIS STUDY FIND?
The majority of alcohol-focused apps were excluded from the study
Out of more than 400 unique apps initially identified, only 8 met the study’s inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Most apps returned in app store searches were excluded because they were for-profit, designed for purchasing alcohol or playing drinking games, or had a very limited focus (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators).
App users commonly praised the apps and valued tracking and gamification features
Over 1/3 of coded utterances (36.8%) contained praise for an alcohol reduction app (see graph below for the top 5 identified themes). Many users highlighted perceived benefits such as reductions in drinking and improved sleep attributed to app use. Slightly more than 1 in 10 utterances (11.1%) mentioned tools such as those that helped track drinking, cravings, mood, calories, or costs (7.8%). Other positively mentioned tools included time- and location-specific reminders, coping tools, goal-setting features, community resources, and psychoeducational content. While mentioned less frequently (2.3% of utterances), gamification features like badges and celebratory animations (e.g., confetti) were well received when present.
Constructive suggestions focused on personalization and technical issues
A small proportion of utterances offered suggestions for improvement (8.8%) or criticism (7.8%). These focused on areas for potential enhancement, such as more customizable tracking, personalized reminders, and improved app interfaces. Some users noted that apps originating in the UK (e.g., TryDry) did not allow for changing units of measurement, and that flexibility for American users would improve drink tracking. Others wished for additional tracking features, such as the ability to add notes to provide context around drinking events, or the option for daily reminders and notifications to support accurate tracking. About 1 in 20 utterances (5.8%) reported technical glitches, including issues with reliability and ease of navigation.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY FINDINGS?
Findings from this study highlight that most alcohol-related apps in app marketplaces are not, on the face of it, evidence-based or otherwise reputable tools for reducing drinking – and those that are can be difficult to locate. Still, results suggest that individuals who choose to leave comments often find alcohol reduction apps helpful and offer insights into which features they find most valuable (e.g., tracking, gamification) and where improvements are needed (e.g., personalization, flexibility). These findings align with prior research and point to key opportunities for future app development, evaluation, and regulatory oversight.
Overall, findings indicate that individuals are actively turning to digital tools to support their efforts to reduce alcohol use – and that some find these tools beneficial. This aligns with a growing body of evidence supporting the promise of low-threshold, scalable digital interventions for people who face barriers to traditional treatment or prefer to self-manage their drinking. Notably, however, it is not clear what proportion of the sample had alcohol use disorder or engaged in otherwise harmful and hazardous alcohol use. Knowing whether and to what degree individuals that use alcohol reduction apps have alcohol use disorder symptoms and consequences would be helpful to understanding their ultimate utility.
Many app users shared positive feedback, citing benefits such as reduced alcohol use and improved sleep. Consistent with prior work on digital interventions for alcohol use, users emphasized the value of features that are personalized and engaging, such as tools to support drink and mood tracking and motivational reinforcement through gamification (e.g., badges or celebratory animations). Yet, despite their perceived value, features like gamification remain underutilized across alcohol reduction apps. At the same time, users voiced frustrations and offered suggestions for improvement, particularly around personalization and usability. These shortcomings may hinder long-term engagement, which is a known barrier to the long-term effectiveness of mobile health interventions for substance use.
This study also reinforces ongoing concerns about the accessibility, credibility, and safety of widely available alcohol reduction apps. Most alcohol-focused apps identified through app store searches either promoted drinking, had a narrow focus (e.g., blood alcohol concentration calculators), or lacked a face-valid evidence base. Those that were scientifically supported were often difficult to locate using common search terms, underscoring persistent challenges in the dissemination of effective digital health tools. These findings raise broader concerns about the reliability of commercial app marketplaces and highlight the need for stronger regulatory oversight, including improved app store search algorithms and greater visibility for empirically supported, vetted options. The vast majority of alcohol reduction apps have not undergone rigorous evaluation for efficacy or safety. While user reviews can offer useful insights into perceived usability and helpfulness, they are no substitute for evidence generated through randomized controlled trials or well-designed observational studies. As it stands, individuals searching app stores for help with their drinking may unknowingly engage with untested or even potentially harmful apps, while missing opportunities to access high-quality, evidence-based tools that can be difficult to find in cluttered, unregulated app marketplaces. These challenges highlight an urgent need for stronger scientific evaluation, clearer public health guidance, and policies that ensure evidence-based digital alcohol interventions are both accessible and actively promoted to the public.
This study focused exclusively on free, English-language apps without in-app purchases. As a result, the findings may not generalize to all alcohol-related apps, particularly paid apps or those available in other languages.
The analysis was based on a limited number of recent user reviews, which may not capture the full range of user experiences, especially for apps with fewer reviews. Additionally, user reviews may disproportionately reflect opinions from individuals with particularly strong positive or negative experiences, potentially skewing the results.
It is unclear whether the populations of users actually suffered from alcohol use disorder so generalizability to that population is unknown.
BOTTOM LINE
Alcohol reduction smartphone apps have the potential to help broad populations reduce or quit drinking, particularly individuals who may not seek formal treatment. Findings from this study – based on user reviews of alcohol reduction apps from Apple and Google Play app stores – suggest that some people do find these apps helpful, especially when they include features like tracking and gamification. Users also identified opportunities for improvement, such as greater personalization and flexibility, underscoring the importance of user-centered design in future alcohol reduction app development. However, findings also highlight that the broader digital ecosystem remains problematic, as app marketplaces are crowded with low-quality, untested offerings that make it difficult for individuals to find the few options using evidence-based tools that are currently available. To better protect and support individuals seeking digital help for their drinking, it will be critical for researchers to establish evidence as to which of these apps are effective at helping people reduce their drinking and for policy makers to implement safeguards that promote access to evidence-based apps while limiting exposure to ineffective or potentially harmful apps.
For individuals and families seeking recovery: This study analyzed real-world user reviews of smartphone apps designed to help people reduce or quit drinking. Many user reviews indicated that these apps were perceived as helpful for reducing alcohol use. For individuals who may be hesitant to seek formal treatment, such apps can offer a low-barrier, flexible option to begin making positive changes, but it is unclear from this study if people with more serious alcohol problems and alcohol use disorder are likely to use and benefit from these kinds of apps. Also, app stores are crowded with low quality tools that have not been scientifically tested. When exploring digital options, it is important to look for apps that are supported by research or developed by trusted health organizations to ensure the best chance of finding safe, effective support.
For treatment professionals and treatment systems: Findings from this study suggest that individuals are turning to publicly available smartphone apps to support their efforts to reduce drinking. Treatment providers are encouraged to stay informed about the digital tools their clients may be using and consider how these apps might align with, and could be integrated into care – for example, to reinforce skills, track progress, or support behavior change between sessions. When incorporating or recommending such tools, it is essential they are grounded in evidence-based practices or supported by scientific research.
For scientists: Findings from this study highlight that some users of alcohol reduction smartphone apps perceive them as helpful, particularly valuing features like tracking and gamification, while also expressing a desire for greater personalization and flexibility. These insights offer direction for researchers developing new digital interventions or aiming to improve existing tools. At the same time, findings underscore the oversaturation of app stores with low-quality, untested offerings. It is unclear who in particular is using these kinds of apps and which types of alcohol problems may be best helped by their use. There is a critical need for rigorous evaluation of publicly available alcohol reduction apps to determine which are truly effective, for whom, and under what conditions. Such work is essential to guide individuals and health systems and professionals toward safe, evidence-based digital options.
For policy makers: Findings from this study indicate many individuals are using publicly available smartphone apps to support efforts to reduce their alcohol use. However, app marketplaces are largely unregulated, and the quality and credibility of these offerings vary widely, with many lacking scientific evidence of effectiveness. To protect consumers and improve access to safe, effective digital tools, policy makers could consider establishing regulations or standards to ensure that alcohol reduction apps are evidence-based. Such efforts could reduce the risk of harm from unproven tools and help guide individuals toward clinically tested interventions.
