Smartphone app training to strengthen inhibition around alcohol or cocaine in teens and young adults
Web-based Alcohol- or Cocaine Specific Inhibition Training in Adolescents and Young Adults With Substance Use Disorder
This project will test a smartphone app that delivers alcohol- or cocaine-specific inhibition training to 14–35-year-olds in treatment for substance use disorder to see if the app is practical to use and affects drinking or drug use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT07071779 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized pilot delivers substance-specific inhibition training via a smartphone app as an add-on to standard outpatient or online treatment for adolescents and young adults with alcohol or cocaine use disorder. Eligible participants (age 14–35) in one of seven specialized treatment settings are randomized to the substance-specific training or a control training and complete sessions through the app. The primary aim is to determine feasibility and acceptability, with preliminary behavioral outcomes measured and an optional EEG substudy for neural effects. The intervention uses cognitive bias modification to strengthen inhibition in the presence of substance-related cues and aims to increase accessibility by remote delivery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are German-speaking 14–35-year-olds currently in outpatient or online treatment for alcohol or cocaine use disorder with AUDIT ≥ 7 or DUDIT ≥ 8 who own a smartphone with internet access.
Not a fit: Patients with severe other substance use (DUDIT ≥ 25), medical conditions that prevent participation, inability to read German, or no smartphone are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could make targeted impulse-control training widely available and help reduce alcohol or cocaine use when added to standard treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Early research on substance-specific inhibition training has shown promising but preliminary benefits as an add-on to treatment, while app-based delivery in this age group is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 14 - 35 years * Alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) ≥ 7 or Drug Use Identification Test (DUDIT) ≥ 8 * Currently undergoing outpatient treatment or online counselling in one of 7 specialized treatment settings * Sufficient German language skills * Informed Consent as documented by signature * Owner of a smartphone with internet access Exclusion Criteria: * Other severe substance use (except nicotine and cannabis) determined by the cut-off value ≥ 25 in the drug use disorder identification test (DUDIT) * Current medical conditions excluding participation * Inability to read and understand the participant's information * Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees, and other dependent persons Additional exclusion criteria for Electroencephalography (EEG)-substudy: * Current medication affecting EEG (e.g., benzodiazepines) * Other severe substance use determined by the cut-off value ≥ 25 in the DUDIT (except nicotine) * History of epilepsy * Cochlea implant
Where this trial is running
Bern
- University of Bern — Bern, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Stein, PD Dr. — University of Bern
- Study coordinator: Maria Stein, PD Dr.
- Email: maria.stein@unibe.ch
- Phone: +41 31 684 54 12
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.