Using mobile sensors and machine learning to detect drinking episodes

Passive mobile sensing and machine learning for the detection of drinking episodes

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11013910

This study is looking at how your smartphone can help track when you drink alcohol by using its built-in sensors, so we can better understand what leads to drinking and find ways to help people who might be at risk for alcohol problems.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11013910 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how mobile sensing technology, such as accelerometers and GPS on smartphones, can be used to detect when individuals are consuming alcohol. By analyzing data collected passively from these devices, the study aims to identify patterns and triggers associated with drinking episodes. This approach seeks to provide real-time monitoring and personalized interventions for individuals at risk of alcohol use disorder, enhancing traditional methods that rely on self-reported data. The goal is to improve understanding of the factors that lead to problem drinking and to develop more effective prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults who engage in at-risk drinking behaviors or have a history of alcohol use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative tools for early detection and intervention in individuals at risk of alcohol use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies using passive mobile sensing have shown promise in predicting drinking episodes, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.