Using a smartphone app and breathalyzer to help people stop drinking alcohol
Remote Alcohol Monitoring to Facilitate Abstinence Reinforcement With an Underserved Population
This study is testing whether a smartphone app and breathalyzer can help people stop drinking alcohol by giving them rewards for staying sober.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Lexington, Kentucky and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03883126 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve treatment for alcohol use disorder by using a smartphone app and breathalyzer to remotely monitor alcohol consumption. Participants will receive monetary incentives for verified abstinence from alcohol, addressing barriers to traditional treatment methods. The approach leverages technology to facilitate broader access to effective treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence. By providing real-time feedback and support, the study seeks to enhance the likelihood of sustained abstinence.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who meet DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder and have a strong desire to abstain from drinking.
Not a fit: Patients currently enrolled in an alcohol treatment program or those requiring medical management for withdrawal symptoms may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology for alcohol monitoring, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 criteria for alcohol use disorder * Average 3 or more heavy drinking days (≥5 drinks in one occasion for men, ≥4 for women) per week for the past month on the Timeline Follow-back. * Must endorse alcohol as their primary drug of use. * Express a desire to abstain from drinking. Exclusion Criteria: * Are currently enrolled in an alcohol treatment program (not including attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous or similar community support meetings). * Score 23 or greater on the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Checklist, a score indicating that medication would be likely required to manage alcohol detoxification. * Pregnant women, lactating women, or women who are planning to become pregnant in the next 15 months.
Where this trial is running
Lexington, Kentucky and 2 other locations
- Nationwide Online Enrollment from the Unversity of Kentucky — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Kentucky Turfland: In-person enrollment — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- Carilion Clinic: In person-enrollment — Roanoke, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mikhail N Koffarnus, PhD
- Email: healthful@uky.edu
- Phone: 8595332749
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.