Study: AI holds promise and peril for alcohol treatment and research

Based on a literature review of peer‐reviewed studies of artificial intelligence (AI) in alcohol treatment and research, there are benefits and risks of implementing this fast‐paced innovation. In fact, the authors of the study, published in Alcohol Research: Current Reviews on November 26, 2025, said their review's main limitation was the accelerated rate of advancements. Still, the study, “Perspective on Using Artificial Intelligence in Alcohol Research and Treatment: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations,” led by senior author Katie Witkiewitz, Ph.D., provides evidence of what needs to be done going forward: security protocols, comprehensive informed consent, and ongoing monitoring for biases and harms. The authors highlighted important ethical concerns of involving AI in the substance use disorder (SUD) field.