Phone-based music listening to reduce stress during early recovery from alcohol use

Developing a Music Listening mHealth Intervention for Stress Reduction in Early Recovery

Observational Washington State University · NCT07052318

This project will try a phone app that uses music to reduce momentary stress in young adults within the first 12 months of recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorWashington State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Spokane, Washington)
Trial IDNCT07052318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The study will develop and test a mobile health music-listening intervention designed to reduce real-time stress among young adults in early recovery from alcohol use disorder. Phase I will enroll about 30 participants within 12 months of recovery for formative research to identify music features that lower momentary stress in everyday settings and to build passive sensing and machine-learning tools that predict high-stress moments. The technology will suggest specific music selections when stress is detected on participants' smartphones. Phase II will pilot the feasibility of the system in a second sample with in-person screening and enrollment at Washington State University clinic locations in Spokane or Pullman, WA.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18–35 who meet DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder, are within 12 months of recovery, own a smartphone with a data plan, and are not experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts or taking medication for opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: People who may not benefit include those with severe depression or active suicidal ideation, those on medication for opioid use disorder, those without a smartphone or data plan, non–English speakers, and people more than 12 months into recovery.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, it could give people a low-cost, non-drug tool to lower stress in the moment and support early recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows music and mobile interventions can reduce stress, but sensor-driven, real-time music suggestions for early recovery from AUD are largely novel and not yet proven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject can and has signed an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved informed consent form (ICF).
* Age ≥18 and ≤35 years.
* In early-stage recovery for alcohol use (within 12 months)
* Own a smartphone with a data plan
* Not experiencing symptoms of severe depression
* Not experiencing thoughts of suicide
* Meets the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD)
* Not currently taking medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD)
* Able to speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently experiencing symptoms of severe depression
* Currently experiencing thoughts of suicide
* Currently taking medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD)
* Are unable to provide voluntary informed consent.
* Cannot read or speak English.

Where this trial is running

Spokane, Washington

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 Disorderrecoveryalcohol use disorderstressmusic listening
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.