Understanding alcohol blackouts in young adults using wearable alcohol sensors
Examining alcohol-induced blackouts in young adults using alcohol sensors
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · NIH-11195689
This project uses wearable alcohol sensors to track drinking and learn why young adults have alcohol-induced blackouts.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195689 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would wear a small biosensor that measures alcohol through your skin during social drinking occasions and report what happened that night. The team will link the sensor data to reports of blackouts and other harms to see how blackout nights differ from other heavy-drinking nights. Researchers aim to identify patterns such as rapid rises in alcohol levels or high peak exposure that predict en bloc or fragmentary blackouts. The work builds on earlier pilot data showing many risky-drinking young adults experience blackouts and that blackout nights are linked to more harms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are young adults (e.g., age 18–25) who frequently engage in heavy or high-intensity drinking and have experienced alcohol-induced blackouts.
Not a fit: People who do not drink alcohol, are under 18, only drink lightly, or cannot wear a skin sensor are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help predict and prevent alcohol blackouts in young adults by using real-time sensor signals to flag high-risk drinking events.
How similar studies have performed: Pilot studies and secondary analyses have shown wearable transdermal alcohol sensors can detect drinking patterns and that blackout nights have more consequences, but using sensors to predict blackout types is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR — OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RICHARDS, VERONICA L — UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR
- Study coordinator: RICHARDS, VERONICA L
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.