59: HealthTech Hour with Steve Roest - Episode 59

59: HealthTech Hour with Steve Roest - Episode 59

In the latest episode of HealthTech Hour, host Steve Roest discusses transformative digital health solutions with Dr. David McLaughlan, a leading addiction psychiatrist in the UK. This episode delves into how digital technology is being harnessed to address addiction, particularly focusing on alcohol. Dr. McLaughlan, the CEO and co-founder of Curb, explains how their platform is designed to offer a proactive approach to addiction treatment.

Unlike traditional methods, Curb provides a digital-first experience that helps users understand their relationship with alcohol and set personalized goals for recovery. The discussion highlights the alarming statistics around alcohol consumption in the UK. Approximately 10 million adults are drinking at harmful levels, with over half a million being physiologically dependent.

Such figures underscore the urgency for innovative solutions like Curb, which aims to prevent severe consequences such as liver cirrhosis and drink driving by offering users an engaging onboarding experience. Dr. McLaughlan notes the carcinogenic risk associated with alcohol, equating the consumption of one bottle of wine to the same risk as smoking five cigarettes. This insight emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures within the healthcare system.

Curb's digital tools provide an accessible way for individuals and businesses to manage these risks, including features like an employee cost calculator to estimate the impact of hangovers. Listeners are encouraged to visit Curb's website to learn more about their platform and access the app on major digital stores. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the role technology can play in reshaping healthcare and empowering individuals to take control of their health.