Social Influence on Alcohol Consumption

(PALS Trial)

Overseen By Raina D Pang, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Southern California

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Alcohol treatment, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

250 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to understand social contexts and alcohol use. We hope to learn how being around peers affects alcohol consumption in young adults. About 250 young adults who drink alcohol frequently will take part in the study. This research is being funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Participation involves one in-person screening session with a same-sex platonic friend. Then participants will complete four in-person laboratory sessions where they will drink beverages containing alcohol or no alcohol. After completion of the laboratory sessions, participants will complete smartphone surveys for 28 days. Lastly, they will complete follow-up surveys 6 months and 12 months post-study enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young adults who frequently drink alcohol and are interested in how social settings influence drinking behavior. Participants will need to attend sessions with a same-sex platonic friend, complete lab sessions involving alcohol consumption, and answer surveys on their smartphones for a month.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 21 and 28 years old.

BMI of 18-30

Own a smart device operating on the iOS or Android operating system

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy or breastfeeding or intent to get pregnant in the next 60 days (females)

Seeking treatment for alcohol use

I have health issues that make it unsafe for me to consume alcohol.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Laboratory Sessions

Participants complete four in-person laboratory sessions where they drink beverages containing alcohol or no alcohol

4 sessions

4 visits (in-person)

Ecological Momentary Assessment

Participants complete smartphone surveys to assess alcohol use and related effects

28 days

Follow-up

Participants complete follow-up surveys to assess past 30-day alcohol use and consequences

6 and 12 months post-study enrollment

Treatment Details

Trial Overview The study aims to understand the impact of social interactions on alcohol use by having participants consume alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages in controlled lab settings. The effects will be monitored through immediate laboratory observations and follow-up surveys over a year.

Participant Groups

Group I: Laboratory alcohol administration with longitudinal follow-ups Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants will be in this single arm, which consists on behavioral testing of alcohol administration in the lab, followed by longitudinal follow-ups using Ecological Momentary Assessment and surveys.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Southern California

Lead Sponsor

Trials

956

Recruited

1,609,000+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+