Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Subscribe for a month to get full access

Use AI to curb alcohol abuse

Artificial Intelligence

AI can also personalise alcohol recommendations and provide sales and delivery options.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

By  Caroline Kahiu

communication officer

Nacada

When was the last time you “spoke” to a chatbot or virtual assistant? From which outfit suits a specific function to responding to interview questions, the list is endless. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative force that is responsive, personalised, supportive, listens, and does not judge. Do not get me wrong, human connections remain irreplaceable, but AI offers us invaluable supplements when utilised correctly.

Like with AI, our relationship with alcohol is very personal. It is beyond data and evidence-based solutions. It is based on our genes and environmental factors. 

Also Read

A study published by NABCA confirms that AI is already transforming how alcohol is made, sold and consumed through innovations such as predicting the harvest quality and product design. Just as with anything else, there are predictable and unpredictable risks associated with alcohol use and AI.

Addiction  

First, have you ever searched for a specific item online, and the next time your timeline is flooded with bountiful suggestions? With AI's ability to analyse consumer trends, it also tailors our online experiences with adverts and campaigns. It captures our attention, generates interest, creates a desire and encourages action; our interactions with the targeted alcohol content may persuade us to make a purchase or explore more.

AI can also personalise alcohol recommendations and provide sales and delivery options. With such personalised services, if you are drinking alcohol as a coping strategy, that click might lead to addiction.

However, all is not lost with AI. It is equally transformative when it comes to alcohol use prevention and treatment. Its ability to analyse data can help to identify individuals and vulnerable populations at higher risk of alcohol use. Such data makes it easier to develop targeted interventions and health campaigns. 

AI can also help analyse a patient’s medical records and genetic makeup, tailoring treatment plans to unique needs. For example, Florence, a digital health worker created by the World Health Organization, helps tobacco users on their journey to quit.

As we commemorate alcohol use prevention month, we can use AI to make informed decisions about alcohol use.

Ms Kahiu is a drug demand reduction advocate. carolinewkahiu@gmail.com; @ckahiu.