Intervention for heavy drinking in young adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on young adults aged 18-25 who engage in heavy drinking behaviors. It combines brief telehealth counseling and psychoeducation with mobile technologies that provide personalized feedback on blood and breath alcohol levels. The study aims to assess the feasibility and perceived value of these interventions through a randomized controlled trial, building on previous research stages. The ultimate goal is to promote moderate drinking among participants by utilizing these innovative tools.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

1. Be between the ages of 18-25
2. Be able to read English and complete study evaluations
3. Report at least four days with heavy episodic drinking (i.e., 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men) out of the prior 30 days
4. Report having consumed at least one alcoholic drink during a minimum of 12 days out of the prior 30 so that subjects will have multiple opportunities to use the moderate drinking technologies during the intervention period.
5. Meet, at minimum, DSM-5 criteria for a mild alcohol use disorder (i.e., meet at least 2 diagnostic criteria)
6. Self-report interest in using a smartphone app to help reduce drinking with a score of at least 3 on a 0-10 scale indicating at least a degree of openness to using technology to moderate drinking.

Exclusion Criteria

No subject may:

1. Have been in inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment within the past 12 months
2. Have used a smartphone application to facilitate moderate drinking more than 1 time within the past 12 months
3. Meet DSM-5 criteria for current substance use disorder with the exception of tobacco use disorder, mild or moderate alcohol use disorder or mild cannabis use disorder.
4. History of alcohol withdrawal or medically-assisted detoxification as individuals with this history will likely be in need of more intensive treatment than is offered in this study.
5. Be psychotic or otherwise severely psychiatrically disabled
6. Report a history of a medical condition that would contraindicate the consumption of alcohol (e.g., liver disease, cardiac abnormality, pancreatitis, diabetes, neurological problems, and gastrointestinal disorders).

Where it's running

• Northeastern University
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert F Leeman, Ph.D. — Northeastern University
• Study coordinator: Jade Martinez, B.S.
• Email: ja.martinez@northeastern.edu
• Phone: (617) 373-5132

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.