Integrated digital health approach to help rural adults reduce hazardous drinking and chronic pain
Official title: Integrated Digital Health Approach to Address Hazardous Alcohol Use and Chronic Pain among Rural Populations
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11447623 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A digital health program designed for adults in rural areas to reduce risky alcohol use while also addressing chronic pain through a streamlined, at-home approach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $741,914 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA032817-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447623 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ living in rural areas who experience chronic pain and hazardous alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to digital tools or those who do not have concurrent pain and hazardous drinking may receive limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a digital health solution to help adults in rural communities manage both hazardous drinking and chronic pain. It aims to deliver an integrated behavioral program that is accessible with a mobile app to minimize clinic visits and resource use. Participants would engage with digital tools and guidance to cope with pain and reduce alcohol consumption, potentially improving overall health and daily functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower hazardous drinking and improve pain management for rural adults, leading to better health and fewer health care barriers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous integrated behavioral approaches show promise, but this rural, digital delivery is a relatively novel combination.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palfai, Tibor P. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Palfai, Tibor P.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how alcohol affects pain in people with alcohol use disorder and chronic pain
This study tests how alcohol changes pain sensitivity in adults with alcohol use disorder and chronic pain using a controlled IV alcohol setup.
-
Developing a digital health program to help people manage chronic pain
This study is testing a new online program to help people with chronic pain learn how to manage their pain and cope with feelings of anxiety or depression, making it easier for them to get the support they need.
-
Understanding the genetic links between alcohol use disorder and chronic pain
This study is looking at how our genes might link alcohol use problems and chronic pain, especially in older adults, to help people who struggle with these issues understand their conditions better and find better treatments.
-
Biomarkers to detect recent heavy drinking in veterans
A doctor-scientist team is testing blood biomarkers to better identify recent excessive alcohol use in veterans so clinicians can screen, counsel, and care for those at risk.
-
Understanding how heavy drinking and anxiety relate in emerging adults
This grant studies how heavy alcohol use and anxiety symptoms interact in young adults (ages 18–34) and what biological stress markers might reveal about that relationship.
-
Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain
A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.
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.