Can a phone app keep you sober? new study tests Anti-Alcohol training

NCT ID NCT03952429

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Salus Klinik Lindow Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a smartphone app designed to help people recovering from alcohol dependence avoid relapse. The app uses a training game to change unconscious habits that make people reach for alcohol. 600 participants used either the active training or a placebo version. The goal was to see if the app reduces craving and lowers relapse rates after leaving inpatient care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: smartphone app with cognitive bias modification training
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide an easy, at-home tool to help people recovering from alcohol dependence stay sober and reduce relapse rates.
What could go wrong: This is a completed study, but the app only targets unconscious biases and may not work for everyone. Relapse rates remain high, and the benefit seen so far is modest (4-8% reduction).

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALCOHOL ABUSE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse alcohol dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL ABUSE ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Salus Klinik Lindow

Lindow, Brandenburg, Germany

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.