Examining how alcohol affects attention in young adults
Connecting Alcohol Myopia to Real-World Risk Behaviors Through Cognitive Ecological Momentary Assessment (REACT Phase II: Lab and EMA)
NA · University of Washington · NCT06579521
This study tests how drinking alcohol affects attention and decision-making in young adults by having them complete tasks in a lab and then tracking their behavior over weekends.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT06579521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of alcohol on attention in young adults through both laboratory and real-world settings using phone-based cognitive tasks. Participants will undergo an initial lab session where they will consume a standard amount of alcohol and complete cognitive tasks before and after intoxication. Following this, they will engage in ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over eight weekends, providing data on their attention and risk-taking behaviors while wearing transdermal alcohol biosensors. The study aims to clarify the relationship between alcohol myopia and real-world risk-taking.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adults aged 21-25 who consume alcohol frequently and have experienced heavy drinking episodes.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of alcohol-related treatment, significant medical contraindications for alcohol consumption, or substantial visual impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how alcohol consumption affects attention and risk-taking, potentially informing prevention strategies for alcohol-related harm.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effects of alcohol on cognition, but this specific approach using smartphone-based tasks and EMA is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 21-25 * drink at least 2x/week in the past month * at least 1 past-month heavy episodic drinking event (4+/5+ standard drinks in a day for females/males) * have an iPhone * able to read and understand English * willing to complete all study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * history of alcohol-related treatment or hospitalization * medical contraindications for alcohol consumption (e.g., contraindicated medication, major psychiatric illness, history of seizure, gastric bypass surgery, cardiac pacemaker, major illness such as liver cirrhosis or hepatitis, past traumatic brain injury, asthma exacerbated by alcohol use, consistent flushing response to alcohol use) or pregnancy, nursing an infant, or plans to become pregnant in the next 8 weeks (i.e., during the EMA monitoring period) * substantial visual impairment or color blindness (given that cognitive tasks rely on visual cues)
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- University of Washington — Seattle, Washington, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anna E Jaffe, PhD
- Email: ajaffe2@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-221-0355
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Alcohol Intoxication