Taking Charge is a mobile, web-based alcohol misuse and workplace wellness program. This program is optimized for smartphones and contains segments devoted to Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Sleep, Managing Stress, and Alcohol & Health. In addition, Taking Charge contains multiple tools for utilization including health text messaging and a health diary.   

Overview

Working adults are susceptible to a variety of risky behaviors that can interfere with their health and productivity, including alcohol misuse. Our research has shown that substance abuse issues among working adults are best addressed by imbedding such material within the broader, more positive framework of health and wellness. Accordingly, Taking Charge is a mobile, web-based program designed to promote the health and wellness of employees while also helping them avoid alcohol misuse. This program also allows for customization of segments most important to your workplace.

Approach

Although developed to target at-risk drinking, Taking Charge provides a comprehensive take on overall health and wellness. The program contains a vast amount of information on healthy eating , physical activity, sleep, stress management, and alcohol and health. Taking Charge addresses the dangers of at-risk drinking and provides information on strategies to reduce excess alcohol consumption. The program provides users with video testimonials, interactive activities, engaging graphics, and mobile-based tools including a daily diary application and health text messaging function. It is a useful tool for repeated use, goal setting, and reinforcement of learning. This program is optimized for a smartphone and can be accessed at times convenient to employees’ schedules.

Evidence

A randomized-controlled trial was conducted with two worksites within the Morneau Shepell group. Findings suggested that increased program utilization resulted in the decreased frequency of alcohol consumption, decreased number of binge drinking days, and increased confidence in applying alcohol reduction strategies to limit alcohol consumption.