Using dynamic visual noise to reduce alcohol cravings and drinking in college students

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

College students aged 18–29 who drink at least once per week and report weekly alcohol cravings come to the lab for a baseline visit and are then assigned to watch either dynamic visual noise (DVN) — a short video of rapidly moving black-and-white squares — or static visual noise (SVN), a still image of the same pattern. Participants watch their assigned DVN or SVN each day for seven days and complete daily follow-ups for six days after the baseline visit. Researchers measure self-reported cravings and alcohol consumption and test whether changes in attentional bias toward alcohol explain any observed effects. SVN serves as an active control because it has been used previously as a control condition in related work.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Must report being between the age of 18 and 29
2. Must report drinking alcohol at least once per week on average over the past month
3. Must report having drank beer or alcoholic seltzers in the past month
4. Must endorse experiencing craving at least once per week over the past month, on average
5. Must report not currently receiving nor planning to seek any other treatment for their alcohol use within the next 30 days
6. Must report owning a personal electronic device with access to the Internet
7. Must report owning or having access to a computer with access to the Internet

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Major visual impairment (i.e., legal blindness or color blindness)
2. History of seizures and/or diagnosed seizure disorder
3. Current medical diagnosis provided by a qualified professional (i.e., psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist) that is characterized by cognitive impairment (i.e., neurocognitive disorder due to traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury, HIV infection, post-concussive syndrome, and intellectual disability)
4. Concussion in the past month
5. A current diagnosis of any substance use disorder besides alcohol use disorder, as determined by a qualified professional (i.e., psychologist, psychiatrist)

Where it's running

• University of Wyoming
  Laramie, Wyoming, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Emma Winterlind, MPS
• Email: ewinterl@uwyo.edu
• Phone: 307-314-2177

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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.