A brief intervention for young adults with heavy drinking and trauma

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Trauma-Informed and Peer-Supported Brief Intervention for Alcohol Users With Interpersonal Trauma

Not applicable Interventional Western Kentucky University · NCT05414344

This study is testing a new approach to help young adults aged 18-25 who drink heavily and have faced trauma by comparing a peer-supported intervention to a standard one to see which works better in reducing alcohol use.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment225 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorWestern Kentucky University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bowling Green, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT05414344 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve a mobile-delivered brief intervention for young adults aged 18-25 who engage in heavy alcohol use and have experienced interpersonal trauma. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a modified brief intervention that includes peer coaching, a standard brief intervention, or an assessment-only group. The study will follow participants for 3 and 6 months post-intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of the trauma-informed and peer-supported approach in reducing alcohol use and improving treatment retention. The researchers hypothesize that the enhanced intervention will lead to better outcomes compared to the standard approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adults aged 18-25 who are college students, have a history of interpersonal trauma, and engage in heavy alcohol use.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving psychological therapy or psychotropic medication for substance use may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce heavy drinking and improve coping strategies for young adults with a history of trauma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that brief interventions can reduce alcohol use, but this specific approach targeting trauma survivors is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 to 25
2. Part-time or full-time college student
3. Ability to speak and understand English
4. Access to a cell phone
5. Lifetime history of interpersonal trauma exposure
6. Heavy alcohol use

Exclusion Criteria:

1) Currently receiving psychological therapy or psychotropic medication for substance use.

Where this trial is running

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Heavy DrinkingAlcohol DrinkingSubstance UseDrinking BehaviorBrief interventionCannabisTraumaAlcohol
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.