Telehealth program using blood tests to help treat alcohol use disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This program aims to evaluate a telehealth-based intervention that utilizes phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a biomarker for alcohol use, to deliver a contingency management (CM) approach over 26 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive online cognitive behavioral therapy combined with PEth-based CM or therapy with incentives for submitting blood samples without requiring abstinence. The study will assess differences in alcohol abstinence and excessive drinking over a 12-month follow-up period. This innovative approach addresses gaps in existing CM research by utilizing a longer follow-up and a conceptual model to identify predictors of treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Had 2 heavy drinking episodes (assigned male at birth \> 4 standard drinks (SDs), assigned female at birth \> 3 SDs) or ≥14 SDs in the prior 14 days verified by PEth 16:0/18:1 biomarker \> 20 ng/mL (indicates at least 2 heavy drinking episodes in past two weeks);
2. Have a DSM-5 diagnosis of a current AUD as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5;
3. 18+ (individuals over 65 will be assessed for cognitive impairments)
4. Are not receiving treatment for AUD
5. Are able to complete virtual study visits via Zoom

Exclusion Criteria:

1. have a current diagnosis of severe substance use disorder (other than AUD, tobacco, and cannabis);
2. PEth biomarker ≤ 20 ng/mL (indicates no heavy drinking in past month)
3. inability to provide informed consent based on the UBACC or MacCAT-CR;
4. alcohol withdrawal-related seizure or hospitalization in prior 12 months;
5. psychiatrically or medically unsafe to participate, as assessed by the PI; and/or
6. currently enrolled in alcohol treatment or another alcohol treatment study.

Where it's running

• Washington State University
  Spokane, Washington, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michael McDonell, PhD — Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Rachael M Beck, BS
• Email: prism.vitastudy@wsu.edu
• Phone: 509-818-7024

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.