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App warns drinkers if they exceed alcohol limits
New smartphone app Alcohol Tracker warns imbibers if they exceed the recommended maximum daily and weekly units of alcohol.
The Alcohol Tracker enables users to log the number of beers, shots, or glasses of wine they have consumed each day, and calculates the total number of units
A commentary published in the online journal BMJ Innovations revealed the app has been designed to help drinkers “better manage their intake”.
It was developed by doctors using clinical evidence, and features built-in psychological therapies such as such as a functional analysis, behavioural goals toolkit, and helpline links to help users avoid “hazardous drinking”.
The Alcohol Tracker enables users to log the number of beers, shots, or glasses of wine they have consumed each day, and calculates the total number of units.
When the recommended daily or weekly limits have been exceeded – defined by national guidelines issued in Canada and the UK – the app issues a warning.
The study by BMJ states: “Previous research conducted a content analysis of 500 alcohol smartphone applications made available in stores, and highlighted the fact that the vast majority of applications (50%) are not clinical-based, and are largely for entertainment purposes.”
Earlier this year, Public Health Wales collaborated with alcohol awareness charity Alcohol Concern Cymru to launch the One Drink One Click mobile app, that also helps people monitor their alcohol intake.