Mobile app and peer support for reducing hazardous drinking in Veterans
Stand Down-Think Before You Drink: An RCT of a Mobile App for Hazardous Drinking With Peer Phone Support
This study tests whether a mobile app for managing drinking can help Veterans cut back on alcohol, especially when they also get support from trained peers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 274 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 2 sites (Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05473598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project evaluates the effectiveness of a mobile app called 'Stand Down' designed for self-management of hazardous drinking among Veterans. The study compares the app's impact when used alone versus when combined with peer support from trained Peer Specialists. By addressing barriers to treatment, such as stigma and accessibility, the study aims to improve engagement and drinking outcomes for Veterans who screen positive for hazardous drinking. The intervention is based on previous pilot studies that showed promising results in reducing alcohol consumption among participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans who have screened positive for hazardous drinking and own a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychotic or cognitive disorders, as well as those unwilling to participate in randomization, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve access to alcohol treatment services and reduce hazardous drinking among Veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with mobile health interventions for alcohol use, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Veterans will be eligible if they: * had a positive AUDIT-C screen (score of \> 5) during a primary care visit in the past month at a clinic at either the VA Palo Alto Health Care System or the Syracuse VA Medical Center * have documentation in their medical records of receipt of a BI following a positive screen * did not receive any outpatient, inpatient, or residential care for alcohol use in the month after their positive AUDIT-C * own a smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Veterans who have active diagnoses of a psychotic disorder or a cognitive disorder (e.g., dementia) will be excluded * Veterans who do not agree to be randomized will be excluded as well
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY — Syracuse, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel M. Blonigen, PhD MA — VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
- Study coordinator: Daniel M Blonigen, PhD MA
- Email: Daniel.Blonigen@va.gov
- Phone: (650) 493-5000
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.