Using text messages to help older adults reduce high-risk alcohol use
Official title: Text Messaging to Reduce High-risk Alcohol Use Among Older Adults
Run by University of Southern Denmark · NCT06319885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether sending text messages can help older adults in Denmark cut down on their drinking and improve their health over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Southern Denmark Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Odense, Southern Denmark) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | April 15, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | April 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06319885 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Danish adults aged 55 to 80 who consume more than 10 standard drinks per week and wish to reduce their alcohol intake.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are currently undergoing alcohol or drug abuse treatment or have serious psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to address high-risk alcohol consumption among older adults in Denmark, specifically those aged 55 to 80. Participants will receive alcohol-related text messages through a secure app over a 12-week period, with the goal of reducing their alcohol intake and improving related health and social issues. The study will assess the feasibility and acceptance of this digital intervention, adapting methods from a previous US study to fit Danish culture and language. A total of 60 participants will be recruited to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce high-risk drinking and improve the overall well-being of older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar text messaging interventions in reducing high-risk alcohol use among older adults, indicating potential for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * consumption of \> 10 standard drinks á 12 gram ethanol per week (i.e., high-risk alcohol use defined by the Danish Health Authority) in the past four weeks * desire to reduce drinking * age 55 to 80 years * mobile phone ownership and willingness to receive and respond to text messages * fluency in Danish. Exclusion Criteria: * drinking more than 53 standard drinks per week in the last four weeks * past 12 month alcohol withdrawal symptoms or lifetime history of serious withdrawal symptoms (e.g., seizures) * score above 12 on the Short alcohol withdrawal scale; SAWS * possible drug dependence (i.e., use of illegal drugs or psychotropic medication taken without prescription more than once a month) * indication of serious psychiatric illness (lifetime diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar disorder, inpatient treatment or medication for these, recent suicidality) * current alcohol/drug abuse treatment or a desire to start alcohol/drug abuse treatment during the study * medical condition that requires abstinence from alcohol * wish to achieve abstinence (applied to secure a focus on reduction) * lack of understanding of study protocol or reading difficulty as evidenced by a score of less than 7 out of 10 on the consent form quiz.
Where it's running
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University of Southern Denmark, Department of Psychology
Odense, Southern Denmark, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Silke Behrendt, PhD — University of Southern Denmark
- Study coordinator: Silke Behrendt, PhD
- Email: sbehrendt@health.sdu.dk
- Phone: +4593507195
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.