Mobile Health Intervention for Alcoholism

Overseen By Melissa J Cox, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Disqualifiers: Substance use treatment, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a mobile health tool designed to help young adults reduce alcohol use and related issues. Participants will either use this mobile tool, featuring a drink counter and goal setting, or participate in surveys. The researchers aim to determine if this mobile approach is both practical and welcomed by users. It suits those aged 18-25 who have experienced at least one recent high-intensity drinking episode and are open to receiving text messages. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could shape future health interventions.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on mobile health intervention for alcohol use, so it's best to ask the trial coordinators for specific guidance.

What prior data suggests that this mobile health intervention is safe for reducing alcohol use?

Research shows that mobile health apps are generally safe for individuals aiming to reduce alcohol consumption. Studies have found that these apps for alcohol use disorder (AUD) typically do not cause serious side effects. Most users find them helpful and easy to use.

Reviews of similar mobile health tools indicate they are well-received. Users often experience positive changes without major negative effects. In fact, mobile tools have effectively helped people reduce their drinking. This suggests a low risk of harmful side effects, making mobile health apps a promising option for managing alcohol use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Mobile Alcohol Use Intervention because it leverages technology in a unique way to tackle alcoholism. Unlike traditional treatments like counseling or medication, this intervention uses a mobile health approach, offering real-time support through an online dashboard. Participants can track their alcohol consumption, set personal goals, and receive tailored messages during drinking episodes to help reduce alcohol use. This method empowers individuals with instant, personalized feedback and resources, potentially making it more accessible and engaging than existing options.

What evidence suggests that this mobile health intervention is effective for reducing alcohol use?

This trial will compare a Mobile Health Intervention with a no-contact control group. Studies have shown that mobile health tools can help people reduce alcohol consumption. These digital tools often assist by setting personal goals and tracking progress. One study found that young adults, who often drink excessively, benefited from personalized messages. Another review highlights how these digital methods can support individuals with alcohol use challenges. Overall, early research is promising, indicating that mobile technology could effectively reduce drinking. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Melissa J Cox, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults who are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption. Participants must be willing to receive and respond to text message surveys on their personal cellphones for 4 weeks and complete a follow-up survey after 30 days.

Inclusion Criteria

Experience at least one high-intensity drinking episode in the past 30 days

Able to read and write in English

No current history of substance use treatment in the past 12 months

Exclusion Criteria

Current or history of substance use treatment in the past 12 months

I am either younger than 18 or older than 25.

Unable to read and write in English

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (online)

Enrollment

Participants attend an online study visit to enroll and be assigned to their study arm

1 day

1 visit (online)

Intervention

Participants receive text message prompts and/or surveys for four consecutive weeks

4 weeks

Asynchronous participation

Follow-up

Participants receive a post-test survey 30 days after their final weekly survey

30 days

1 survey (online)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mobile Alcohol Use Intervention

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of a mobile health intervention designed to help young adults cut down on drinking. Some will use the app along with regular surveys, while others will only answer survey questions without additional support.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mobile Health Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive access to the mobile health intervention. This includes access to an online dashboard which includes a drink counter, ability to track the number of drinks consumed over the course of the study, ability to set drinking-related goals for oneself, and alcohol-related resources. Participants in the intervention will also receive tailored messages during drinking episodes which target contextual factors to reduce alcohol use.

Group II: No-contact control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive only morning surveys and the 30-day post-test survey.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+

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/PMC12433316/

The Effectiveness of Mobile Health (mHealth) in Reducing ... The selected interventions were grounded in diverse behaviour change theories (BCTs), including brief intervention (BI), cognitive behavioural ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772598724000291

Digital interventions for alcohol use disorders: A narrative ... ... health challenges, including intervention for alcohol use disorder (AUD). This narrative review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the use of digital ...

3. mhealth.jmir.org mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e65218

Exploring Fit in a Mobile Health Intervention for Alcohol Use ... Implementers consisted of a project manager, 4 peer mentors, and 2 health coaches. Interviews with participants focused on their motivations, ...

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2022.1016714/full

The effectiveness of a mobile intervention to reduce young ... Background: Young adults' drinking habits often exceed low-risk drinking guidelines. As young adults show increased access, use, ...

5. recoveryanswers.org recoveryanswers.org/research-post/the-future-is-now-mobile-technology-for-alcohol-use-disorder/

The Future is Now: Mobile Technology for Alcohol Use ... The development and expansion of mobile technology – including text messaging and smartphone “apps” – has provided new ways to potentially help individuals ...

6. samhsa.gov samhsa.gov/

Home | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health ... SAMHSA leads efforts to advance behavioral health across the U.S., offering resources for mental health, substance use, and community well-being.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5616128/

A Systematic Review of the mHealth Interventions to Prevent ... Substance abuse in young adults is a public health issue with costs to the individual and society. There is mounting evidence that the increased uses of ...

8. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2017/4/e49/

The Impact of Mobile Apps on Alcohol Use Disorder Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is among the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide and is associated with a diverse range of ...

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624000425

Mobile health intervention to address chronic pain among ... Integrated cognitive-behavioral program for pain and hazardous drinking. •. Pilot study of counselor-supported app for chronic pain among ...

10. jmir.org jmir.org/2020/1/e13252/

Measures of Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Quality ... Telemedicine was found to be an effective tool in reducing alcohol consumption and increasing patients' accessibility to health care services or health ...