CBI + Text Messaging for Reducing Alcohol Use Post-Bariatric Surgery

Overseen By Jordan Braciszewski, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Henry Ford Health System

Disqualifiers: Alcohol use disorder, No phone, No internet, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to help individuals who have recently undergone bariatric surgery manage their alcohol consumption. Bariatric surgery can alter how the body processes alcohol, increasing the risk of drinking problems. The trial tests a two-part treatment: a short online session (computer-based intervention, or CBI) followed by personalized text messages for six months. Ideal candidates are those who had bariatric surgery 3 to 6 months ago and have not consumed alcohol since. Participants will either receive this treatment or continue with their usual care to determine which is more effective. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to important research that could enhance post-surgery care for many others.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for reducing alcohol use post-bariatric surgery?

Research has shown that a computerized brief intervention (CBI) with text messages is safe and well-received by patients. One study found this method practical and popular among participants, yielding encouraging results in reducing alcohol use after weight-loss surgery. Participants rated the text messages an average of 6.8 out of 10, indicating they found them helpful and engaging. Additionally, 87% of participants completed all follow-up assessments, demonstrating strong involvement and satisfaction with the program. These findings suggest that this approach is safe for individuals who have undergone weight-loss surgery and may be at risk of alcohol problems. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the CBI and text messaging approach for reducing alcohol use after bariatric surgery because it offers a personalized and tech-savvy solution. Unlike traditional post-surgery care, which often involves standard counseling or support groups, this method uses a computerized brief intervention (CBI) combined with six months of personalized text messaging to engage patients in real time. This innovative approach provides ongoing support and guidance directly to patients' phones, potentially increasing adherence and effectiveness. By leveraging technology, this treatment can deliver tailored interventions that adapt to each individual's progress and needs, making it a promising option for sustainable behavior change.

What evidence suggests that this intervention is effective for reducing alcohol use post-bariatric surgery?

This trial will compare a computerized brief intervention (CBI) followed by six months of personalized text messaging with treatment as usual. Research has shown that technology, such as a computer program combined with text messages, can help reduce alcohol use after bariatric surgery. This method is user-friendly and comfortable for patients. Text messages, in particular, provide ongoing support and reminders, which help lower alcohol consumption. Early results suggest that these tools effectively keep patients engaged and motivated to drink less. Overall, these findings offer hope for a new way to help patients manage alcohol use after surgery. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who had bariatric surgery 3-6 months ago and haven't drunk alcohol since the surgery. It aims to help them avoid developing an alcohol use disorder, which can be a risk after such procedures due to changes in how their bodies handle alcohol.

Inclusion Criteria

I had weight loss surgery 3 to 6 months ago.

I have not drunk alcohol since my weight loss surgery.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention Development

Patient interviews to identify preferences for intervention content and treatment delivery, followed by an open trial of the intervention with 10 patients

Not specified

Treatment

Participants receive a two-session computerized brief intervention (CBI) followed by six months of personalized text messaging

6 months

Baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 9 month post-assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• CBI and Text messaging

Trial Overview The study tests a two-part intervention: a computerized brief intervention (CBI) based on motivational interviewing, plus six months of follow-up text messages tailored to each patient's readiness to change their drinking habits. The goal is to see if this tech-based approach is practical and well-received by patients post-surgery.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

A computerized brief intervention (CBI) followed by six months of personalized text messaging

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Treatment as usual

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Henry Ford Health System

Lead Sponsor

Trials

334

Recruited

2,197,000+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12413560/

A technology-based intervention to reduce alcohol use ... A technology-based intervention delivered after MBS was feasible, acceptable, and showed promising preliminary outcomes for increasing ...

2. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/1phWviOAQkitzG5iQ0tnng/project-details/10470842

A Technology-based Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Use ... Thus, our long-term goal is to increase access to an empirically-supported intervention for reducing alcohol use among patients who undergo bariatric surgery by ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-alcohol-drinking-8-2021-f0411

CBI + Text Messaging for Reducing Alcohol Use Post ... This trial tests a new approach to help bariatric surgery patients reduce alcohol use. It includes two online sessions and several months of personalized text ...

4. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e65187

Text Messaging Interventions for Unhealthy Alcohol Use in ... Further, SMS text messaging interventions have been shown to improve patient outcomes related to alcohol consumption (eg, reduced consumption ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/394550322_A_Technology-based_Intervention_to_Reduce_Alcohol_Use_After_Metabolic_and_Bariatric_Surgery_Feasibility_Acceptability_and_Preliminary_Outcomes

A Technology-based Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Use ... A computerized brief screening intervention for substance use risk reduction together with tailored text messaging is both feasible and highly acceptable ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04788316

Reducing Alcohol Use Post-Bariatric Surgery Behavioral : CBI and Text messaging. A computerized brief intervention (2 sessions) followed by six months of personalized text messaging. Participant Group ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11215496/

Preventing alcohol use post-bariatric surgery Results of this study indicate that a web-based intervention, followed by tailored text messaging, is acceptable to patients who have undergone ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460316302593

A text message intervention for alcohol risk reduction ... Most participants (87%) completed all follow up assessments. Intervention messages received an average rating of 6.8 (SD = 1.5) on a 10-point scale. At week six ...