Technology Interventions for Youth Alcohol Misuse

Overseen By Meredith Kotov

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, No consent, Others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 8 weeks

1400 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine how well two different programs prevent or reduce alcohol misuse among young people. Participants will either use a web-based program alone or the web program with supportive text messages for eight weeks. Parents or caregivers are encouraged to use an app that guides conversations about drinking with their child. The trial seeks youth aged 12-19 who have used alcohol in the past year and have a phone capable of receiving text messages. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to important research that could shape future prevention strategies.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on alcohol misuse interventions for youth.

What prior data suggests that these technology interventions are safe for youth?

Research has shown that online programs designed to reduce alcohol use are effective and safe. One study found that these programs helped young people drink less by raising awareness and assisting parents in monitoring behavior.

Adding text messages to the online program also appears safe. Studies indicate that text messages can encourage young people to make healthier choices and drink less. These messages have supported change successfully without causing harm.

Overall, both the online program and the text messages have been well-received in previous studies. There are no reports of serious side effects, suggesting these methods are safe for young people who want to better manage their alcohol use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Technology Interventions for Youth Alcohol Misuse because it's all about using digital tools to tackle the problem of youth drinking in a fresh way. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on in-person counseling or educational programs, this approach leverages a web-based program grounded in Motivational Interviewing to engage both youth and their caregivers. One version includes an app that provides caregivers with strategies to discuss alcohol prevention, while another adds eight weeks of supportive text messages for the youth. This tech-savvy approach is unique because it meets young people where they are—on their devices—and aims to create a family-supported prevention strategy, potentially making it more engaging and effective.

What evidence suggests that this trial's programs could be effective for youth alcohol misuse?

Research has shown that online programs can help reduce alcohol misuse among teenagers. For instance, one study found that a personalized online program successfully lowered alcohol use in young people. Another study discovered that an online program involving both students and parents effectively prevented teen alcohol use over two years. In this trial, participants may receive a Web Program combined with an app, or a Web Program with both an app and supportive text messages. Adding supportive text messages to these online programs has also improved results. This method, using digital tools and communication, aims to make it easier for young people to avoid or cut down on drinking. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Erin Bonar

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Maureen Walton, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young people aged 12-17 who have used alcohol in the past year, are part of the Michigan medicine pediatric care system, and can receive texts. They must understand English and be able to consent. Their parents need to agree, and no siblings should already be enrolled.

Inclusion Criteria

Patient has a phone that can receive text messages

I am aged 12-17 and have seen a Michigan Medicine pediatric doctor in the last 2 years.

Past 12-month alcohol use

Exclusion Criteria

I do not understand English.

Ongoing participation in another behavioral health research study

I am able to understand and consent to the trial's procedures and assessments.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a brief web-based computer program or the web program plus 8 weeks of supportive text messages

8 weeks

Web-based intervention with ongoing text messages

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in alcohol consumption, depression symptoms, and drug use consequences

12 months

Assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post baseline

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Web Program
• Web Program + Text Messages

Trial Overview

The study compares two programs aimed at preventing or reducing youth alcohol misuse: one involves a web program only, while the other combines this with supportive text messages for eight weeks. Parents also use an app to discuss drinking with their child.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Web Program + App + Text Messages Active Control 1 Intervention

Brief intervention web program (rooted in Motivational Interviewing) recommended at enrollment with parent/caregiver recommended to download and use app (with strategies to talk to youth about drinking prevention) plus youth receive 8 weeks of text messages.

Group II: Web Program + App Active Control 1 Intervention

Brief intervention web program (rooted in Motivational Interviewing) recommended at enrollment with parent/caregiver recommended to download and use app (with strategies to talk to youth about drinking prevention).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

592

Recruited

27,110,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review identified 12 trials of 10 school-based prevention programs for alcohol and drug use, with six of the seven Internet-based programs showing reductions in substance use after the intervention.

The study highlights that computer- and Internet-based prevention programs not only reduce current substance use but also decrease intentions to use drugs in the future, suggesting they are effective and promising methods for school-based prevention efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of school-based alcohol and other drug prevention programs facilitated by computers or the internet. Champion, KE., Newton, NC., Barrett, EL., et al.[2022]

Computer-based drinking assessment and intervention programs have been evaluated in the general public, revealing that users are typically young males in their early 30s who are at risk for alcohol-related issues.

While dropout rates from these online interventions are high, those who complete the programs generally show improvements in their drinking behaviors, indicating potential efficacy for those who engage fully.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of computer-based alcohol problem services designed for the general public. Vernon, ML.[2022]

Computer-based tools for diagnosing and treating alcohol-related problems can improve accessibility and cost-effectiveness in clinical settings, making it easier for healthcare providers to implement these interventions.

Some computer-based programs have been shown to effectively motivate patients and reduce alcohol-related harm by teaching essential skills, highlighting their potential as valuable alternatives to traditional face-to-face treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computer-based tools for diagnosis and treatment of alcohol problems. Hester, RK., Miller, JH.[2020]

A systematic review of 11 studies involving electronic communication interventions for hazardous drinking in young adults found that personalized feedback significantly reduced alcohol consumption and binge drinking.

Interventions delivered via text messaging and social networking sites were particularly effective, enhancing accessibility and engagement for young adults, although the length of the intervention did not affect its overall effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Electronic communication based interventions for hazardous young drinkers: A systematic review. O Rourke, L., Humphris, G., Baldacchino, A.[2022]

The What Do You Drink (WDYD) Web-based brief alcohol intervention significantly reduced weekly alcohol consumption and binge drinking frequency among heavy-drinking students aged 18-24, with effects sustained at 3 and 6 months after the intervention.

In a study involving 907 participants, those who received the WDYD intervention reported lower alcohol use compared to a control group, demonstrating the intervention's effectiveness in promoting long-term behavioral change.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using ecological momentary assessment to test the effectiveness of a web-based brief alcohol intervention over time among heavy-drinking students: randomized controlled trial. Voogt, C., Kuntsche, E., Kleinjan, M., et al.[2022]

Computer and internet interventions for reducing problematic drinking among college students show promise, utilizing a combination of educational, skills-based, and motivational strategies to engage users.

These programs provide personalized feedback based on assessment questions, which may enhance their effectiveness, although more research is needed to optimize their reach and impact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Wired for wellness: e-interventions for addressing college drinking. Walters, ST., Miller, E., Chiauzzi, E.[2005]

The article discusses interactive, computer-based programs designed for substance abuse prevention and treatment among adolescents, highlighting their effectiveness in promoting health behavior changes.

These programs are based on scientific principles and utilize evidence-based technologies, making them engaging and suitable for widespread use, which can enhance their accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Application of interactive, computer technology to adolescent substance abuse prevention and treatment. Marsch, LA., Bickel, WK., Grabinski, MJ.[2008]

Recent studies on computer-based programs for preventing substance use among youth show mixed results, with many suffering from high dropout rates, which affects the reliability of their findings.

The most effective programs are those specifically designed for targeted youth populations, but there is a lack of such tailored interventions, indicating a need for more customized approaches in future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computer-Based Prevention and Intervention to Reduce Substance Use in Youth. Schinke, S., Schwinn, TM.[2022]

A Web-based brief alcohol intervention effectively reduced weekly drinking among binge drinkers aged 15 to 20, with significant results observed at both 1 and 3 months after the intervention.

The intervention was particularly effective for males, who showed decreased alcohol use and increased moderate drinking, while females did not experience the same benefits, indicating a need for tailored approaches in alcohol interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a web-based brief alcohol intervention and added value of normative feedback in reducing underage drinking: a randomized controlled trial. Spijkerman, R., Roek, MA., Vermulst, A., et al.[2021]

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