Smartphone App for Alcoholism in Homeless Adults
(SmartT_A Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Approximately 1 out of every 3 adults experiencing homelessness has a current alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol use plays a central role in increased morbidity and mortality in this population, with some studies suggesting it plays a direct role in as many as 17% of deaths. Alcohol is also a leading cause of homelessness and contributes to its chronicity by inhibiting progress toward obtaining employment and a stable living environment. Shelter-based treatments are common, but compliance is often poor. There are many documented challenges to effectively implementing traditional evidence-based interventions in shelter settings. In the current project, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial. Adults currently experiencing homelessness who report hazardous alcohol use (N = 600) will be recruited from five shelters across the Dallas, TX and Oklahoma City, OK metropolitan areas. Individuals will attend screening and training visits, then complete one week of self-monitoring (via smartphone app) before being randomized to receive either standard shelter-based treatment (Usual Care; UC), or the Smart-T Alcohol intervention + UC. The Smart-T Alcohol intervention offers on-demand content and automated contextually tailored messages to reduce alcohol consumption. The intervention period will span eight-weeks (i.e., weeks 2-9), with follow-up assessments occurring at weeks 9, 13, and 26. All participants will complete brief daily smartphone-based surveys for 13 weeks. Aims of the project will be to assess the effects of the Smart-T Alcohol intervention on alcohol use and alcohol-related problems (Aim 1), intervention effects on key drinking risk indicators and their mediation of use outcomes (Aim 2), and identify specific subpopulations (e.g., women, racial/ethnic minorities, younger adults; Exploratory Aim 3) for which the intervention is most effective. Findings will provide a rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of the Smart-T Alcohol intervention and guide future smartphone-based interventions for this population.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who are experiencing homelessness, have an alcohol use disorder, and are currently receiving shelter-based services. Participants must be able to read at a basic level, have no significant cognitive impairment, and have consumed alcohol in the past week.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training and Baseline Monitoring
Participants receive training on the smartphone-based assessment platform and complete daily EMAs for baseline data collection
Treatment
Participants receive either Usual Care or Usual Care plus the Smart-T Alcohol intervention for alcohol use reduction
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with follow-up assessments
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Smart-T Alcohol
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Oklahoma
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator