Program to help college students manage stress and reduce alcohol use

A Resilience-Based Intervention for Reducing Problematic Alcohol Use in College Populations

NA · Ohio State University · NCT06885320

This study is testing a program to help college students who are stressed and drink heavily by teaching them better ways to cope with their feelings.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University (other)
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06885320 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on addressing the high rates of alcohol use and anxiety among college students by targeting cognitive vulnerabilities such as anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. The program, known as IMPROVE, aims to modify cognitive processes that contribute to stress and maladaptive coping strategies, including heavy drinking. Undergraduate students who report high levels of psychological distress and engage in heavy drinking will be randomized to participate in this intervention. The goal is to enhance resilience and promote healthier coping mechanisms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are college students aged 18 or older who experience elevated psychological distress and engage in heavy drinking behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe substance use disorders other than nicotine may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce alcohol use and improve mental health outcomes for college students.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive interventions to reduce alcohol use and improve mental health, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* report elevated psychological distress (i.e., Kessler Psychological Distress Scale scores \>12)
* engage in heavy drinking behaviors (i.e., 15 drinks per week for biological males and 8 drinks per week for biological females)
* age 18 or older
* can read and comprehend English
* has access to a smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

* limited mental competency/inability to give informed consent
* current comorbid moderate to severe substance use disorder other than nicotine

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Alcohol Use, College Drinking, Anxiety, alcohol, transdiagnostic, anxiety, college students

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.