Text message intervention to reduce alcohol consumption in young adults

ASPIRE to Change: Leveraging Text Messaging Peer Support Coaching to Mitigate Hazardous Alcohol Consumption in Non-Collegiate Young Adults

Not applicable Interventional Stanford University · NCT06617702

This study is testing whether sending text messages can help young adults aged 18-25 drink less alcohol over the course of a year.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT06617702 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The ASPIRE trial tests a text message intervention aimed at reducing alcohol consumption among young adults aged 18-25. Participants will be recruited nationally and randomized to receive either the ASPIRE intervention, which incorporates cognitive, behavioral, and peer influences, or a control intervention focused solely on cognitive and behavioral elements. The study will measure effectiveness at 3, 6, and 12 months, while also exploring the mechanisms of behavior change and identifying which subgroups benefit most from the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-25 who have recently consumed alcohol at levels above the defined thresholds and are motivated to reduce their drinking.

Not a fit: Patients currently enrolled in a 4-year college or those receiving treatment for alcohol or substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly help young adults reduce their alcohol consumption and improve their overall health.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with text message interventions for behavior change, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-25 years (verified using date of birth)
* Lives in the U.S. (based on zip code)
* English reader (verified based on completing screen)
* 2+ days with ≧4 standard alcohol drinks for women or ≧5 standard alcohol drinks for men in past month
* Owns a mobile phone with SMS (verified by texting enrollment procedure)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently enrolled or past enrollment in a 4-year college
* Active military
* Pregnant or pregnancy plans in the next 12-months
* Prisoner status
* Current or planned treatment for alcohol or substance use disorder in next 12-months

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

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 Consumptionalcoholtext messageyoung adultspeers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.