Using rewards to improve treatment for alcohol use disorders
Dual Reinforcement Contingency Management for Alcohol Use Disorders
This study tests if giving rewards for attending treatment and staying sober can help people with alcohol use disorders drink less and stick to their treatment plan better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hartford, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT04064463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a dual reinforcement approach to contingency management for individuals with alcohol use disorders. Participants will be monitored for alcohol consumption using a biomarker called PEth, which detects alcohol use over a three-week period. The study will randomly assign 150 participants to either standard care with PEth monitoring or to a group that receives additional rewards for attending treatment and providing negative PEth samples. The goal is to determine if the contingency management approach leads to better treatment attendance and reduced alcohol consumption over a 12-month period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are starting intensive outpatient treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that may hinder their participation in the study will not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using contingency management for substance use disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * in intensive outpatient treatment * DSM-5 diagnosis of an alcohol use disorder Exclusion Criteria: * have a condition that may hinder study participation
Where this trial is running
Hartford, Connecticut
- The Village — Hartford, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sheila Alessi, Ph.D. — UConn Health
- Study coordinator: Ruth Fetter
- Email: fetter@uchc.edu
- Phone: 860-679-4556
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.