Peer recovery coaching for hospitalized patients with alcohol use disorder

A Peer Recovery Coaching Intervention for Hospitalized Alcohol Use Disorder Patients

Not applicable Interventional Clemson University · NCT06479681

This study is testing whether a peer recovery coaching program can help hospitalized patients with alcohol use disorder drink less and improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment750 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorClemson University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Greenville, South Carolina and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06479681 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer recovery coaching intervention called RC-Link for patients hospitalized due to complications from alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study will utilize a randomized controlled trial design to assess recovery outcomes, including the frequency of heavy drinking and overall biopsychosocial functioning. It will also incorporate daily ecological momentary assessments to understand heavy drinking patterns and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. The study builds on previous pilot results that indicated potential benefits of peer recovery coaching in reducing alcohol consumption and improving treatment engagement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals hospitalized with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who live within 50 miles of the recruitment site and plan to stay in the area for at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently incarcerated, have severe alcohol withdrawal, or have comorbid substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with alcohol use disorder, reducing hospital readmissions and promoting long-term sobriety.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results for similar peer recovery coaching interventions, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Live within 50 miles of the recruitment and plan to stay in the area for at least 6 months
* Current DSM-V criteria for moderate or severe AUD (measured by a score of ≥4 on the DSM-V Checklist)
* Hospitalized with a principal, primary, or secondary AUD-related diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to provide informed consent
* Patients referred to hospice during hospitalization
* Women who are pregnant
* Comorbid diagnosis or at-risk for methamphetamine, cocaine, or opioid use disorder as determined by a score of ≥4 on the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Modified Assist v3.0
* Current suicidal ideation
* Incarcerated at time of hospitalization
* Currently has a peer recovery coach
* Toxicology screen positive for opiates, cocaine, or methamphetamine
* Experiencing moderate/severe alcohol withdrawal based on physician assessment
* Psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder documented in chart

Where this trial is running

Greenville, South Carolina and 1 other locations

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 Alcohol Use Disorder
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.