How the Alcohol Program Works— CheckUp & Choices provides evidence-based interventions that are proven to lower alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol-related problems. A series of digital health programs based on cognitive behavioral exercises help people develop new habits that result in lasting change. Individuals can track progress over time and receive personalized normative feedback in a non-judgmental, confidential, convenient online environment. Supplemental features such as urge trackers and customized email reminders engage and encourage individuals as they progress through the program. A facilitator for guided self-help, CheckUp & Choices is effective as both a stand-alone resource and as a complement to face-to-face interventions or mutual group involvement.
10-Question Screener— To get started in CheckUp & Choices, individuals first complete a free, clinically-validated 10-question screener to receive both objective feedback about their drinking and an algorithmic recommendation as to whether or not to proceed further with the program.
The CheckUp— Individuals receiving a recommendation to proceed with CheckUp & Choices typically begin with the CheckUp, a one-time, brief motivational intervention ideally completed in a single session. The CheckUp takes 30-45 minutes to complete, provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s unique relationship with alcohol, explains viable strategies for change including moderation and abstinence, and facilitates planning to accomplish the desired change.
The CheckIn— Three months after completing a CheckUp, and in 90-day increments thereafter, individuals are encouraged to complete a CheckIn, a brief follow-up to the CheckUp that evaluates progress over time in critical areas such as alcohol-related problems, depression, and anxiety. For individuals making progress in their desired goal of change (moderation or abstinence), the CheckIn serves to quantify and validate that progress. For those who are not making progress, the CheckIn can help to quantify and visualize the lack of progress, and suggest alternative strategies for success.
The Choices Program (Moderate or Abstain)— For individuals who are ready to make a change, and want ongoing support, the Choices program provide evidence-based interventions proven successful for moderation or abstinence. Motivational and cognitive behavioral exercises teach skills and strategies for a healthier life. Drink trackers, email reminders, and programmatic text messaging support the individual throughout his or her specific journey. For example, for those choosing moderation as a goal, Choices (Moderate) teaches how to set and monitor safe and realistic drinking goals. Choices (Abstain) provides constant self-guided support to maintain and achieve sobriety.
Research & Results— As an evidence-based organization, CheckUp & Choices insists that its digital health programs produce real and lasting impact. In six clinical trials, individuals who used a CheckUp & Choices program experienced:
- a 55% drop in drinking quantity, frequency, and intensity for less dependent drinks
- a 50% reduction in alcohol-related problems for all drinkers
- a 36% decrease in drinking days in dependent drinkers
Each CheckUp & Choices program has been evaluated in at least one randomized clinical trial, with follow-up assessments conducted out to twelve months. The results of these clinical trials have been published in peer-reviewed journals (Hester, et al., 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, Campbell et al., 2016). Copies are available upon request.
For Organizations— In addition to working directly with individuals, CheckUp & Choices partners with organizations to provide a customized, digital substance misuse solution. Representative organizational partners include health care systems, employee wellness programs, universities, correctional systems and mutual self-help groups.
Get Started— For more information about CheckUp & Choices please contact info@checkupandchoices.com
