Improve and test a veteran-focused alcohol help app
Official title: User experience, enhancement, and evaluation of an alcohol mobile intervention for military veterans
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11420339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project will upgrade and test an existing mobile program to help military veterans reduce risky drinking without requiring complete abstinence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $214,436 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AA032260-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans or active-duty personnel who use alcohol at risky levels and are open to a flexible approach that does not require complete abstinence.
✕Less likely to help
Those who do not use mobile apps or are unwilling to engage with digital health tools may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on the VetChange app to make it easier for veterans to manage alcohol use while dealing with related health issues like PTSD, depression, and chronic pain. It will test enhancements to the app’s features and content in real-world settings with veterans who are not necessarily aiming to quit completely. The team will gather feedback from users, track engagement, and look at outcomes related to alcohol use and overall well-being. Participation may involve using the app, answering questions, and sharing experiences over time in a supportive, privacy-conscious manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the updated app could provide veterans with accessible, non-abstinence-based tools to reduce alcohol-related harm and improve overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Similar digital health interventions have shown promise in increasing engagement and reducing risky drinking in various populations, but this specific veteran-focused app is being tested for broader impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirouac, Megan — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Kirouac, Megan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.