Mobile App for Alcoholism and Anxiety

Overseen By Brooke Y Kauffman, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Michael J. Zvolensky, Ph.D.

Must not be taking: Anxiety medications, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Substance use program, Psychotherapy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

50 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you cannot participate if you are currently using medication for anxiety or depression.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Aliento, a mobile app for Latinx hazardous drinkers with clinical anxiety?

Research shows that smartphone apps can help reduce alcohol consumption and support treatment for alcohol use disorder. Some apps have been found to promote self-reported reductions in alcohol use, suggesting that mobile interventions like Aliento could be effective for hazardous drinkers. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the mobile app for alcoholism and anxiety safe for humans?

The research on smartphone apps for alcohol use disorder suggests they are generally safe, as they focus on self-monitoring and harm reduction strategies. However, more studies are needed to fully understand their safety and effectiveness. ^{2 4 5 6 7}

What makes the Aliento mobile app treatment unique for alcoholism and anxiety?

The Aliento mobile app is unique because it specifically targets Latinx individuals who are hazardous drinkers with clinical anxiety, offering a culturally tailored approach that integrates technology to address both alcohol use and anxiety, unlike traditional treatments that may not focus on this specific population or use a mobile platform. ^{8 9 10 11 12}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to develop and examine a culturally adapted, brief, integrated, Spanish language mobile health application for the Android platform, optimized to deliver a personalized feedback intervention (PFI) designed to enhance knowledge regarding adverse anxiety-alcohol interrelations, increase motivation and intention to reduce hazardous drinking, and reduce positive attitudes and intention regarding anxiety-related alcohol use among Latinx hazardous drinkers with clinical anxiety.

Research Team

Michael J Zvolensky

Principal Investigator

University of Houston

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Latinx or Hispanic adults over 21 who drink hazardously and have clinical anxiety. Participants must speak Spanish fluently, own an Android smartphone, and be willing to consent in writing. Those using medication for anxiety/depression, in psychotherapy, or substance use programs cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

You identify yourself as being of Latinx or Hispanic origin.

21 years of age or older

You currently drink alcohol in a dangerous or harmful way.

Exclusion Criteria

You are currently taking medication for anxiety or depression.

current engagement in psychotherapy for anxiety or depression

You are currently participating in a program to address your alcohol or substance use.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (telephone)

Intervention

Participants complete a brief (~30 minute) personalized feedback intervention via a mobile health application

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feasibility, acceptability, and initial effects of the intervention

3 months

3 visits (remote)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Aliento

Trial Overview The study is testing 'Aliento', a Spanish language mobile app designed for Android phones. It aims to educate users about the negative effects of mixing anxiety with alcohol use, motivate them to reduce hazardous drinking, and change their attitudes towards using alcohol to cope with anxiety.

Participant Groups

Group I: Aliento Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants complete the brief (\~30 minute) intervention at baseline and will have access to intervention material for up to 3-months after the baseline appointment via the mobile health application.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Michael J. Zvolensky, Ph.D.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Findings from Research

A study involving 59 patients with alcohol use disorder showed that supportive text messaging after treatment can significantly extend the time before a patient has their first drink, with the intervention group averaging about 60 days compared to 26 days for the control group.

The text messaging intervention also demonstrated small to moderate improvements in cumulative abstinence duration and alcohol consumption, indicating it could be a valuable follow-up care tool for patients after residential treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled pilot trial of supportive text messaging for alcohol use disorder patients. Agyapong, VIO., Juhás, M., Mrklas, K., et al.[2019]

Participants in a study of 21 individuals with alcohol dependence found that self-monitoring apps like 'Glasklart' and 'iBAC' helped increase awareness of their drinking habits and motivated them to change, enhancing their treatment experience.

Despite the benefits, the use of these apps was hindered by technical issues and feelings of shame related to alcohol use, suggesting that while they can be effective tools, improvements are needed for better user experience.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Keeping Track of My Drinking - Patient Perceptions of Using Smartphone Applications as a Treatment Complement for Alcohol Dependence. Östh, J., Danielsson, AK., Lundin, A., et al.[2023]

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a gamified alcohol attentional control training program (AACTP) in enhancing treatment outcomes for 317 patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) compared to standard treatment alone.

The research aims to show that incorporating AACTP into traditional alcohol treatment can lead to greater reductions in alcohol craving and consumption, potentially providing a new, low-cost intervention for clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Attentional Control Training for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder. Mellentin, AI., Cox, WM., Fadardi, JS., et al.[2021]

A review identified six smartphone apps aimed at reducing alcohol consumption or treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), with only two apps (A-CHESS and LBMI-A) showing self-reported reductions in alcohol use.

The study highlights a significant gap in the evaluation of these apps, indicating that while smartphone technology has potential for aiding individuals with AUD, more rigorous testing is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smartphone applications to reduce alcohol consumption and help patients with alcohol use disorder: a state-of-the-art review. Meredith, SE., Alessi, SM., Petry, NM.[2022]

The 'Quest' app, designed for relapse prevention in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome, received high usability (5.8 out of 7) and acceptability (65%) ratings from users, indicating it is user-friendly and well-received.

While both groups (those using the Quest app and those receiving standard treatment) showed a significant reduction in drinking days over three months, there was no notable difference in relapse rates or heavy drinking days between the two groups, suggesting the app's effectiveness needs further validation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design, development and pilot testing of 'Quest', a smartphone-based relapse prevention app for patients with alcohol dependence. Sharma, AK., Shadakshari, D., Chand, P., et al.[2023]

The smartphone-based intervention aimed at reducing risky drinking in young adults did not significantly decrease risky drinking behaviors or related harms, based on a pilot study involving 45 participants.

However, the intervention successfully increased the use of protective behavioral strategies among users, and participants rated the app as highly usable, indicating potential for future improvements in harm-minimization approaches.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delivering Personalized Protective Behavioral Drinking Strategies via a Smartphone Intervention: a Pilot Study. O'Donnell, R., Richardson, B., Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M., et al.[2020]

The pilot trial involving 89 participants showed that the TeleCoach app led to significant reductions in alcohol consumption over 6 weeks, with a large effect size (Cohen's d of 1.37) for the intervention group.

While the TeleCoach app demonstrated positive within-group effects, there were no significant differences between the app and the control group, suggesting further research with a larger sample size (up to 1,000 participants) is needed to fully evaluate its efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reducing Risky Alcohol Use via Smartphone App Skills Training Among Adult Internet Help-Seekers: A Randomized Pilot Trial. Berman, AH., Molander, O., Tahir, M., et al.[2022]

A 12-week integrated intervention combining cognitive behavioral therapy for alcohol dependence and comorbid anxiety/depression was more effective than usual counseling, leading to fewer days of relapse and lapse among patients.

The treatment significantly improved the percentage of days of abstinence, with the effectiveness particularly linked to reductions in anxiety symptoms, highlighting the importance of addressing both alcohol use and mental health issues together.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is Specialized Integrated Treatment for Comorbid Anxiety, Depression and Alcohol Dependence Better than Treatment as Usual in a Public Hospital Setting? Morley, KC., Baillie, A., Leung, S., et al.[2018]

In a clinical trial involving alcoholics, reduced anxiety levels during treatment were found to significantly predict better drinking outcomes, with participants who experienced less anxiety reporting fewer drinks per day.

The study utilized a factorial design with various doses of ondansetron and included cognitive behavioral therapy, highlighting that both anxiety reduction and medication dosage play important roles in improving drinking behavior.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The role of anxiety in predicting drinking behaviour. Sloan, TB., Roache, JD., Johnson, BA.[2019]

In a study of 82 individuals undergoing alcoholism treatment, those with a comorbid anxiety disorder (about 55% of participants) were significantly more likely to relapse into drinking within 120 days after treatment, highlighting the importance of addressing anxiety in these patients.

Specifically, social phobia was identified as the strongest predictor of any drinking relapse, while panic disorder was the best predictor of relapse to alcohol dependence, suggesting that certain anxiety disorders may have a more pronounced impact on recovery outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Follow-up study of anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence in comorbid alcoholism treatment patients. Kushner, MG., Abrams, K., Thuras, P., et al.[2022]

In a study of 865 adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD), it was found that subclinical anxiety symptoms significantly influenced drinking behavior during and after treatment, indicating a complex relationship between anxiety and alcohol use.

Higher anxiety levels during treatment were associated with decreased drinking over time, suggesting that addressing anxiety may be important in improving treatment outcomes for AUD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trajectories of change in subclinical anxiety and alcohol use during alcohol treatment: A parallel process growth model. Hurlocker, MC., Carlon, H., Pearson, MR., et al.[2023]

A study involving 107 male alcohol abusers at a Veterans Administration Medical Center found significant differences in state and trait anxiety scores before and after treatment, indicating that treatment can effectively reduce anxiety levels.

The use of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) is appropriate for assessing anxiety in alcoholic inpatients, providing valuable normative data for future research and treatment evaluations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anxiety in an alcoholic population: a normative study. Ludenia, K., Donham, GW., Holzer, PD., et al.[2019]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled pilot trial of supportive text messaging for alcohol use disorder patients. [2019]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Keeping Track of My Drinking - Patient Perceptions of Using Smartphone Applications as a Treatment Complement for Alcohol Dependence. [2023]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Attentional Control Training for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder. [2021]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smartphone applications to reduce alcohol consumption and help patients with alcohol use disorder: a state-of-the-art review. [2022]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design, development and pilot testing of 'Quest', a smartphone-based relapse prevention app for patients with alcohol dependence. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delivering Personalized Protective Behavioral Drinking Strategies via a Smartphone Intervention: a Pilot Study. [2020]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reducing Risky Alcohol Use via Smartphone App Skills Training Among Adult Internet Help-Seekers: A Randomized Pilot Trial. [2022]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is Specialized Integrated Treatment for Comorbid Anxiety, Depression and Alcohol Dependence Better than Treatment as Usual in a Public Hospital Setting? [2018]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The role of anxiety in predicting drinking behaviour. [2019]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Follow-up study of anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence in comorbid alcoholism treatment patients. [2022]

11. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trajectories of change in subclinical anxiety and alcohol use during alcohol treatment: A parallel process growth model. [2023]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anxiety in an alcoholic population: a normative study. [2019]