How romantic partners influence each other's drinking habits

Dyadic Influence Processes Among Heavy Drinking Couples

NIH-funded research University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10690552

This study looks at how being in a romantic relationship can influence how much alcohol you and your partner drink, both in everyday life and when getting help for drinking problems, to find ways to support couples in making healthier choices together.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10690552 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how romantic partners affect each other's alcohol consumption behaviors, both in daily life and during treatment. It aims to understand the specific mechanisms of influence, including emotional responses and social control strategies, that can either promote or reduce high-risk drinking. The study will involve structured training and research activities to explore these interpersonal processes and their implications for addressing problematic alcohol use in couples. The findings could help develop targeted interventions for couples struggling with alcohol-related issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are couples where at least one partner engages in high-risk alcohol consumption.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not in a romantic relationship may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing high-risk drinking behaviors in couples, enhancing their overall health and relationship quality.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that social dynamics in relationships can significantly impact health behaviors, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, 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 2026-06-09 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.