Using wearable technology to predict heavy drinking during recovery from alcohol use disorder
Official title: Characterizing initial recovery from alcohol use disorder and predicting heavy drinking using mobile biosensors
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11024699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how smart wearable devices can help people recovering from alcohol use disorder by predicting when they might be at risk of heavy drinking, so they can get the support they need right when they need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $686,518 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA031959-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are 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 currently recovering from alcohol use disorder or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how wearable biosensors and artificial intelligence can help predict heavy drinking episodes in individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder. By collecting data from devices that monitor physiological signals, such as heart rate and alcohol levels, the study aims to create real-time models that can identify when a person is at risk of drinking heavily. Participants will wear these biosensors and provide self-reports to help researchers understand the factors influencing their recovery. The goal is to improve support for individuals in the early stages of recovery by providing timely interventions based on their physiological data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized interventions that help individuals maintain sobriety during critical recovery periods.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies using AI and wearable sensors have shown promise in identifying risks associated with alcohol use, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckee, Sherry Ann — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mckee, Sherry Ann
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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.