Music-based, real-time stress relief to support early alcohol recovery
Official title: Developing a Music Listening mHealth Intervention for Stress Reduction in Early Recovery
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11539070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new mobile program uses just-in-time music listening to help adults in the first 90 days after detox reduce stress and support recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $498,203 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AA031474-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11539070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 and older who are within 90 days of detoxification from alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not experiencing recent detox or who do not use mobile health tools may derive less benefit.
What this research studies
This project creates a smartphone-based tool that delivers music-triggered support during real-world moments of stress in adults who are within the first three months of detox from alcohol. It will tailor music recommendations in real time to help regulate emotions and ease urges to drink. The study will involve phases to develop and test how this approach can be used in everyday settings, with user feedback guiding refinements. By focusing on early recovery, the program aims to be accessible and scalable for people who may not have regular access to traditional treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could provide an easy-to-use tool to manage stress and reduce relapse risk for people in early alcohol recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests music can influence emotion and stress, but real-world, just-in-time use for alcohol relapse prevention is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cleveland, Michael — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Cleveland, Michael
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.