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Blalock DV, Calhoun PS, Crowley MJ, Dedert EA. Telehealth Treatment for Alcohol Misuse: Reviewing Telehealth Approaches to Increase Engagement and Reduce Risk of Alcohol-Related Hypertension. Current Hypertension Reports. 2019 Jun 17; 21(8):59.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Telehealth interventions for alcohol misuse may be especially impactful in hypertensive populations because of the increased blood pressure associated with alcohol overconsumption. This review examines emerging telehealth interventions for alcohol misuse and categorizes them according to phases of the treatment process. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence for telehealth cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is preliminary but suggests it is efficacious and increased access to treatment. Evidence for contingency management (CM) is growing, and mobile adaptation of CM for alcohol misuse suggests it is efficacious in initial abstinence induction. Evidence for mobile health (mHealth) texts and applications is large and variable but generally suggests it is efficacious for reducing alcohol misuse and relapse prevention. Variability in telehealth interventions for alcohol misuse may hinder conclusion implementation. Matching specific telehealth interventions with phases of alcohol misuse treatment and focusing on high-impact populations (i.e., those with hypertension) may maximize benefits on population health.