Using music to help reduce stress in young adults recovering from alcohol use.
Official title: Developing a Music Listening mHealth Intervention for Stress Reduction in Early Recovery
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-10855869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how listening to music on your phone can help young adults manage stress while they’re starting to recover from alcohol use disorder, especially in the first three months after detox, by providing support when they need it most.
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 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $536,249 |
| NIH project number | 1R61AA031474-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10855869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 21 and older who are in the early stages of recovery from alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in recovery from alcohol use disorder or those who do not have access to mobile health technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a mobile health intervention using music listening can help young adults manage stress during the early stages of recovery from alcohol use disorder. The approach involves developing a just-in-time adaptive music-listening program that targets emotional regulation and stress reduction within the first 90 days after detoxification. Participants will engage with the intervention in real-world settings, allowing for immediate support when they experience acute stress. The study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of music as a tool for improving emotional well-being and reducing relapse risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, accessible method for young adults to manage stress and improve their chances of maintaining sobriety.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of music for emotional regulation is well-documented, this specific approach to using music listening as a relapse intervention is novel and has not been extensively tested.
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.