JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic disorder with a high likelihood of relapse. Consistent monitoring of blood alcohol concentration through breathalyzers is critical to identifying relapse or misuse. Smartphone applications as a replacement of, or in conjunction with breathalyzers, have shown limited effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this research protocol manuscript is to evaluate the usage and acceptability of a wireless blood alcohol concentration device in collaboration with a long-term treatment facility to assess increased sobriety for patients with alcohol use disorder. The randomized clinical trial will be across two arms, access to the wireless breathalyzer versus no access to the breathalyzer, while both groups have access to treatment. Evaluation will last three months with a six week-follow up, during which each participant will be interviewed at admission, 1 month in, 2 months in, 3 months in and follow-up. Outcomes will focus on the acceptability of the wireless breathalyzer within the alcohol use disorder population and the impact of quality-of-life measures and clinical features on treatment motivation. In addition, we intend to identify the participants’ experiences in relationship to their treatment satisfaction and perceived support.