Mobile app to help reduce pain and heavy drinking
Alcohol Use and Chronic Pain in Primary Care
NA · Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT06281821
This study is testing a smartphone app to see if it can help people with chronic pain and heavy drinking feel better and drink less, especially in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06281821 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate a smartphone-based intervention designed to reduce chronic pain and hazardous alcohol consumption among individuals who experience both conditions. The study focuses on the feasibility and acceptability of this mobile health approach, particularly in rural populations. Participants will engage with the app to manage their pain and drinking habits, providing initial data on its effectiveness in a primary care setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing chronic pain of moderate severity and engaging in heavy drinking as defined by NIAAA guidelines.
Not a fit: Patients currently on medication for pain or alcohol that has not been stable for at least two months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a convenient and effective tool for patients to manage both chronic pain and alcohol use simultaneously.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies addressing either chronic pain or alcohol use separately, this integrated mobile app approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * 1 Heavy drinking by NIAAA guidelines (weekly limits \[\> 7 standard drinks for women or men age 65+, \> 14 for men younger than 65\], and/or a heavy drinking episode in the past month \[\>3 for women or men age 65+, \> 4 for men younger than 65\]) or by a positive USAUDIT-C score * 2 Chronic pain \[at least 3 months in duration\] of at least moderate severity (4 or greater on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale from 0-10) Exclusion Criteria: * 1 If on medication for pain or alcohol, not on same dose for at least 2 months \[Note: Participants who are on psychoactive medications for pain management may be included if they have a stable (at least 2 months) medication dose and state a willingness to continue use of medication as prescribed by their physician through the intervention phase\] * 2 Patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, or current suicidal intent. * 3 Prior history of withdrawal-related seizures or delirium tremens * 4 Current non-pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder or chronic pain. * 5 Any acute life-threatening illness that requires treatment or intend to have surgery for a pain-related condition in the next 6-months * 6 Pain that is related to a current cancer diagnosis * 7 Patients who are unable to provide one or more individuals who will likely know where they are at follow up * 8 Individuals who do not have a smartphone with which they can use to complete the remote study procedures.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tibor P Palfai, PhD
- Email: palfai@bu.edu
- Phone: 617-353-9345
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 Drinking, Chronic Pain