A collaborative research approach was used to co-develop patient reported outcome measures or PROMS. One of our PROMS (SURE) assesses recovery from alcohol and other drug problems, and another (SUSS) assesses sleep problems. People using SURE and SUSS reported that they would like to complete them on their mobile phones and tablet computers so that they could record and refer back to their scores. This chapter describes the collaborative research process used to co-design a mobile application (app) called SURE Recovery, including the experiences of working with a diverse team of people with lived experience of addiction, researchers, app developers, and clinicians. The chapter also provides reflections on the challenges encountered and the lessons learned. Insights and advice for others are offered who might be interested in developing similar recovery-oriented apps in the future.

This chapter considers the assessment and diagnosis of alcohol use disorders, including the use of screening and a comprehensive assessment process, incorporating an evaluation of substance use and dependence alongside psychological and social wellbeing. A spectrum of treatment approaches are then described, beginning with strategies for managing the intoxicated patient and reducing the harms of alcohol consumption. The importance of preparation and planning for successful medically assisted withdrawal or detoxification is emphasised. Psychosocial interventions form the core of treatment of alcohol use disorders, delivered alongside pharmacotherapies for relapse prevention. Comorbid mental health disorders are considered, before reviewing the importance of patient-reported outcome measures in establishing the outcome of effective treatment for alcohol use disorders.