Using a smartphone app to help manage heavy drinking in veterans
Official title: Combining a Smartphone App with Medications to Manage Heavy Drinking
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11084300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a smartphone app called Step Away that helps veterans manage their drinking while they use medication to support their recovery, making it easier for them to stick to their treatment and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003742-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 21 and older who are experiencing alcohol use problems and are seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to a smartphone or prefer in-person treatment methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a smartphone application designed to support veterans in managing alcohol use disorder (AUD) alongside medication-assisted treatment. The app, called Step Away, provides personalized strategies for moderating or abstaining from drinking and includes features for self-monitoring alcohol consumption. By integrating psychosocial interventions with medication, the study aims to improve treatment adherence and outcomes for veterans who face barriers to traditional care. The approach is particularly relevant for those who prefer receiving care in a primary care setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to effective treatment for veterans struggling with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that smartphone apps can effectively improve drinking-related outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hawkins, Eric — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Hawkins, Eric
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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.