Examining alcohol-induced blackouts in college students using sensors

A daily diary study examining alcohol-induced blackouts among college students using alcohol sensors

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10899084

This study is looking at how often college students experience blackouts from drinking too much alcohol and what situations lead to those blackouts, using special sensors to track their drinking habits over weekends.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10899084 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the occurrence of alcohol-induced blackouts (AIBs) among college students by utilizing transdermal alcohol concentration sensors. The study aims to understand the circumstances and behaviors that lead to AIBs, which are linked to risky drinking patterns. Participants will be monitored over weekends to gather data on their drinking habits and any resulting blackouts. By analyzing this data, researchers hope to identify patterns and factors that contribute to AIBs, ultimately aiming to reduce the associated risks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are college students who engage in heavy or high-intensity drinking behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not college students may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing alcohol-induced blackouts and their consequences among college students.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that monitoring alcohol consumption can provide valuable insights into drinking behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield significant findings.

Where this research is happening

University Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.