The Deakin Alcohol App works like a “pocket therapist” to change habits and change thinking around risky drinking.

Researchers from Deakin’s School of Psychology transformed face-to-face psychological therapy in to an app to support people who drink above recommended guidelines.

The most recent figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2016 revealed one in three Ballarat residents drink more than four standard drinks at a time, more than once a month, compared to the state average of about one in eight.

And one in five people consume at least two drinks every day, significantly higher than the state average of almost one in seven, putting them at risk of long term alcohol-related health problems.

“This is the first app available in Australia to offer psychological training that acts directly on automatic decision-making to change problematic drinking behaviour,” said project leader Associate Professor Petra Staiger.

“It’s carefully designed to translate a highly effective method that works in face-to-face settings into an innovative and user-friendly app.”

The app eight-week Deakin program is being trialled to prove its effectiveness.

Associate Professor Staiger said alcohol treatment often required patients to practice changing habits between visits to their therapist, something many people found difficult. The app helps participants practice for about one minute each day.

“It affects automatic thinking and helps users practice a method of replacing problematic habits with healthier ones,” she said.

“The method acts like a short-circuit, interrupting automatic habits, and making it easier to actually follow through with your goals.”

Researchers said many people who drank at risky levels did not seek help, and those in rural and remote areas often face challenges accessing face-to-face therapy, rehabilitation and detox services.

“That might be because they feel concerned about being judged by others, don’t think they need help, or don’t have the time or want to spend money on a therapist or program,” said co-investigator Dr Paul Liknaitzky.

READ MORE: It’s time to look at our drinking culture

“The issue with drinking, as compared to other potentially problematic behaviours like gambling or taking illicit drugs, is that it is far more socially condoned and common. So there are far more opportunities to drink and associations to alcohol, along with social pressure for some people too,” he said.

“One of the benefits of an app like this is that it can overcome many of the barriers that prevent risky drinkers from seeking help, providing a flexible, affordable and confidential option.”

The Deakin Alcohol App trial is open to adults who can achieve at least one alcohol-free day a week. For  information or to sign up visit www.alcoholapp.org.au.