From High Barrier to Daily Companion: Reinventing VAD’s Self-Help Tool for Alcohol and Drugs
Key takeaways
VAD – De Druglijn needed a modern replacement for an outdated self-help tool for people struggling with alcohol or drug use. The old tool was not mobile-friendly, required lengthy intakes, and suffered high drop-out rates. Together, we delivered a mobile-first platform with a short intake, instant feedback, a daily logbook and journaling, and privacy-by-design. The outcome is a safe, intuitive, and scientifically grounded tool that encourages repeat use and provides a decisive first step toward behaviour change. The platform is also being prepared for international rollout.
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Client
VAD
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Services
User interface design — Gamification — Impact —
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Links
Online zelfhulp
Lowering the barrier for people at a sensitive crossroads
Asking for help with substance use is already emotionally challenging. The previous online tool amplified that difficulty: users faced dozens of questions before seeing any feedback, and because it wasn’t mobile-friendly, it didn’t support the regular, private check-ins that help sustain change. Unsurprisingly, many people dropped out before getting any benefit.
That makes a low-threshold self-help tool even more vital: while waiting for guidance — or as an extra layer of support alongside treatment — people can already start working on themselves. For those dealing with addiction, acknowledging there’s a problem is often the hardest step. The new self-help tool is designed for this exact moment: with short assessments, personal tracking, and journaling, users gain immediate insight into their situation. For some, that’s enough to spark change on their own. For others, it becomes the starting point for working with a professional.
“For many people, this tool is their very first step in acknowledging their use. We wanted to make that step as low-threshold, safe, and supportive as possible.”
Katrien, VAD – De Druglijn
Balancing scientific rigor with accessible design
We started by mapping the old tool’s user flows to find exactly where people dropped off. From that discovery work, we defined three aims:
make the experience mobile-first,
drastically shorten the intake,
and preserve scientific validity and anonymity.
Strategically, we combined short, motivating steps with the robust backbone of validated questionnaires and algorithms. Built with privacy by design, the tool guarantees complete anonymity while offering users immediate feedback, daily tracking, and access to scientifically grounded exercises.
From drop-out to daily engagement
The new self-help tool is designed to feel approachable and motivating, lowering the barrier for people to take their very first steps toward change. Instead of facing long intakes and drop-off, users now experience a smooth, supportive journey.
For users, the tool offers:
Instant insights from a short intake
Personal goals to focus on change
A simple mobile diary to track patterns and progress
Daily motivation through accessible, evidence-based exercises
“The platform now feels modern, safe, and clear. You can tell it was designed with respect for the user and the sensitivity of the topic.”
Anonymous user
For VAD – De Druglijn, it means reaching more people in need, offering effective support earlier, and preparing for international rollout to Ireland.
The new tool flips the previous dynamic: instead of long intakes that discouraged users, people now get fast insight and tools they can use every day. That immediacy makes the platform a realistic first step for someone who might not yet be ready to contact formal services — and it also gives professionals a clearer, anonymized starting point for later conversations.
750
New users in the first few weeks
Mobile-first
Access anytime, anywhere
Privacy guaranteed
Anonymous and safe
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