Recovery after alcohol use: following people through two month-long alcohol-free periods
Understanding recovery from alcohol use disorder: Longitudinal observation of two voluntary temporary abstinence periods
Researchers will follow adults who try month-long alcohol-free periods like 'Dry January' to understand what helps people move toward recovery from alcohol use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11329016 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will follow you through two month-long alcohol-free campaigns (for example, Dry January or Sober October), collecting questionnaires and follow-up information before, during, and after each abstinence period. They will track drinking patterns, DSM-5 symptoms, quality of life, motivation, and choices about alcohol and other reinforcers. The team will apply self-determination theory and behavioral economic theory to see which motivations and decision patterns predict lasting remission or reduced heavy drinking. This is an observational, longitudinal project (no assigned treatment) for adults aged 21 and older to learn how natural recovery unfolds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 or older who plan to take part in voluntary month-long alcohol abstinence campaigns or who are attempting temporary alcohol-free periods are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, those not attempting temporary abstinence campaigns, or those needing immediate clinical treatment for severe alcohol withdrawal are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify which motivations and decision patterns help people achieve lasting recovery, guiding better support and future interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior observational work suggests month-long abstinence can reduce drinking and improve wellbeing, but applying these two theoretical frameworks to explain natural recovery is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richards, Dylan K — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Richards, Dylan K
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 below.