Addiction, there’s an app for that

A smartphone app used by war veterans in the United States to stay sober and drug-free will be rolled out in Waikato.

The app, dubbed Achess, includes a host of features to keep users on the straight and narrow.

For example, users can use the app to programme high-risk areas into their phone to help them avoid potential triggers such as pubs and bottle shops.

Waikato DHB will launch the new app on November 27 as part of a region-wide pilot.

Waikato DHB interim executive director for mental health and addictions Vicki Aitken said the app provides recovery support on demand and is intended to complement, not replace, counselling sessions.

‘‘If a person is feeling a bit distressed they can press the beacon function to access some mindfulness readings or a video of a family member or some photos,’’ Aitken said.

The app also has a GPS function, giving users the ability to programme into their phone high-risk areas which they feel puts them at risk of relapsing.

‘‘It might be a particular street or a particular pub or bottle store,’’ Aitken said.

‘‘It could be a street where they might go to use drugs, so the app’s GPS can be programmed to set off alarms in those cases.’’

The app also allows users to message their clinician or counsellor or access an alcohol and drug helpline.

Aitken declined to detail the pilot’s budget but said it was not significant. Additional costs will be incurred if the DHB decides to support people’s access to smartphones or data.

The app had a strong track record in the United States where it has helped veterans from relapsing, she said.

The DHB plans to ‘‘kiwify’’ the app and give it a suitable name.

This will be the first time the app has been available in Australasia.

Waikato DHB’s use of IT has been in the spotlight recently with questions raised about the performance of its showpiece virtual health initiative, SmartHealth.

The Midland eSPACE programme which is tasked with overhauling the region’s health records also hit the headlines earlier this year after it was revealed its budget had gone from $47 million to $75m.

The new smartphone app will include a self-rating tool to allow consumers to rate how their recovery is going.

Alcohol and Drug Community Support Trust director Stephen King said the app sounded promising but it would never be able to replace face-to-face counselling.

King questioned if a smartphone app was an appropriate option for older patients or those on fixed incomes.

‘‘Utilising an app to keep people on track sounds great but my question is, are we ready for the new age of apps?

‘‘I’m 63 and I have to admit I’m not completely au fait with what apps are or how they perform. And not everyone has a smartphone.’’

King favours greater investment in residential rehabilitation facilities.