A-CHESS – A Smartphone App to Prevent Relapse

A-CHESS (Addiction – Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System) is a suite of services that promote positive behavior change and provide 24/7 support.

A-CHESS has been used by over 7,000 people and used by 60 treatment centers nationwide.

Some services include:

  • High Risk Locator: Helping patients stay sober by prompting them if they are near a place that could cause them to relapse.
  • Panic Button: Patients can navigate their cravings and notify others that they need support at any time.
  • Clinician Dashboard: Gives counselors a snapshot of how patients are doing and helps them connect with their patient’s recovery.

Testimonials

"You have a friend there. You are carrying around a bunch of people that are going through the same things you are."

A-CHESS Study Participant

"A-CHESS helps me in identifying ways to help the client. I can direct them to information in the app and it also keeps me updated with them and knowing how they are doing."

Counselor

A-CHESS Research Projects

  • 2014-2019: Testing the effectiveness of ongoing self-monitoring through Ecological Momentary Assessments and immediate recovery support through Ecological Momentary Interventions
  • 2014-2019: CASA-CHESS: Spanish version of A-CHESS for clients with Alcohol-Use Disorder and a Mental Health Disorder
  • 2014-2019: Combining A-CHESS with Telephone Counseling and testing the effectiveness of each intervention separately
  • 2015-2020: Pairing A-CHESS with Medication-Assisted Treatment to improve recovery from Opioid-Use Disorders
  • 2016-2021: Using A-CHESS to help prevent HIV treatment failure by collecting information from patients about drug use, mood, and other factors.
  • 2018-2023: Disseminating A-CHESS to 16 treatment providers in Iowa using the NIATX-TI framework
  • 2017-2020: Supporting patients in recovery and their partners through alcohol behavioral couples therapy using A-CHESS
  • 2018-2023: Helping primary-care patients reduce their drinking using A-CHESS
  • 2021-2024: Family-focused vs. Drinker-focused Smartphone Interventions to Reduce Drinking-related Consequences of COVID-19