Reducing alcohol use among non-student young adults

Behavioral Economic and Wellness-based Approaches for Reducing Alcohol Use and Consequences Among Diverse Non-student Emerging Adults

Not applicable Interventional University of Memphis · NCT04776278

This study is testing a new program to help young adults who aren't in college cut back on drinking by teaching them stress management and encouraging fun, alcohol-free activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment525 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 29 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Memphis Academic / other
Locations1 site (Memphis, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT04776278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates an intervention designed to help non-student emerging adults reduce alcohol consumption by addressing stress and promoting engagement in positive activities. It utilizes brief alcohol interventions alongside a Substance-Free Activity Session and relaxation training to provide alternatives to drinking. The focus is on high-risk individuals who may not have access to traditional college-based resources, aiming to enhance their coping strategies and overall well-being. The study seeks to understand the effectiveness of these combined approaches in decreasing alcohol-related problems in this demographic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-student individuals aged 18 to 29 who have experienced heavy drinking episodes in the past month.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing treatment for alcohol or substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce alcohol use and its negative consequences among non-student young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with brief alcohol interventions, particularly in college populations, but this approach targeting non-student emerging adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 to 29 years old
* Not a current student or graduate of a 4-year college with no plans to enroll in a 4-year college in the upcoming semester
* Stable domicile and contact information
* Fluent English speaker
* Adequate literacy (\>9th grade reading ability)
* Two or more heavy episodic drinking episodes in the past month (\>5/4 standard drinks for males/ females) or exceeding NIAAA guidelines for high risk drinking (\>14/7 drinks per week for men/women).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current/past psychosis
* Current self-initiated AUD/SUD treatment
* Weekly or greater nonmedical use of prescription drugs or illegal drugs except cannabis
* Risk for alcohol withdrawal as evidenced by either 1) a recent history of alcohol withdrawal symptoms (tremors, anxiety, hallucinations, and seizures that occur after stopping drinking) or 2) very heavy weekly drinking reports on the alcohol screener (\> 40 standard drinks in a typical week in the past month, a value that is \> 2 standard deviations above the average drinks per week level observed in our previous brief alcohol intervention studies).

Where this trial is running

Memphis, Tennessee

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 AbuseAlcoholBrief Intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.