Social influence on drinking among young adults
Official title: Multi-Method Investigation of Social Facilitation of Alcohol Effects and Alcohol Misuse in Young Adults
Run by University of Southern California · NCT06627803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if being around same-sex platonic friends changes how much young adults (21–28) drink during lab sessions and in daily life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 28 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06627803 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 21–28 years old who drink regularly (about 3+ times/week) and have at least one recent binge episode, who regularly drink with a same-sex platonic friend willing to participate, have BMI 18–30, own an iOS or Android smartphone, are fluent in English, and are not currently seeking treatment for alcohol use.
✕Probably not a fit
People seeking treatment for alcohol use, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning pregnancy within 60 days, have medical contraindications to alcohol, are outside the 21–28 age range, do not drink frequently or lack a willing same-sex friend, or do not own a compatible smartphone are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
About 200 young adults who drink frequently will be enrolled along with a same-sex platonic friend to complete an in-person screening and four laboratory sessions where they receive alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. After the lab visits, participants will complete smartphone surveys for 28 days to track drinking and social context in real time, with follow-up surveys at 6 and 12 months. Key eligibility includes ages 21–28, regular drinking (3+ times/week) with at least one recent binge episode, BMI 18–30, and ownership of an iOS or Android device. The study is conducted at the University of Southern California and funded by the NIAAA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify social situations that drive heavy drinking and help design ways to reduce risky alcohol use among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Similar laboratory and ecological momentary assessment studies have repeatedly shown that peer presence can increase drinking, so this approach builds on prior successful work.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 21-28 years of age * Drink regularly (1+ times/week) with a same-sex platonic friend that also meets eligibility and is willing to participate * Regular alcohol use (3+ times/week) with at least one binge drinking episode (5+ drinks \[male\] or 4+ drinks \[female\] in about 2 hours) in the past month * BMI of 18-30 * Own a smart device operating on the iOS or Android operating system * Fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding or intent to get pregnant in the next 60 days (females) * medical conditions counter-indicated for alcohol administration * seeking treatment for alcohol use
Where it's running
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matt G Kirkpatrick, PhD
- Email: mgkirkpa@usc.edu
- Phone: 323-442-8221
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.