Stand Down App + Peer Support for Alcoholism
(PS-Stand Down Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Hazardous drinking is common among Veteran primary care patients and increases risk for more costly and complex medical problems over the long-term. Yet, the vast majority of these Veterans go untreated. By providing an option for care that is easily accessible, private, and self-directed, mobile applications (apps) circumvent many barriers to alcohol use treatment. However, poor patient engagement remains the Achilles' heel of these apps. Through supportive accountability, Peer Specialists can maximize the reach and engagement of these apps with patients and improve drinking outcomes. The goal of this project is to evaluate whether an app for alcohol use self-management ("Stand Down") reduces drinking among Veteran primary care patients who engage in hazardous drinking, and for whom Peer-Supported-Stand Down is more effective than the app alone. If successful, the proposed research has the potential to transform care and increase access to alcohol-related services for Veterans who engage in hazardous drinking but rarely seek treatment, and, in turn, mitigate the adverse health outcomes that stem from untreated hazardous drinking.
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 is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Is the Stand Down App + Peer Support for Alcoholism safe for humans?
What makes the Stand Down app treatment for alcoholism unique?
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Stand Down App + Peer Support for Alcoholism?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Daniel M. Blonigen, PhD MA
Principal Investigator
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans who recently scored high on an alcohol use screening and haven't had treatment for alcohol use in the past month. They must have received brief intervention, own a smartphone, and be willing to be randomly assigned to a group. Those with psychotic or cognitive disorders are not eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete a baseline interview and are randomized to one of the study conditions
Treatment
Participants use the Stand Down app with or without Peer support, depending on their assigned group
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for drinking outcomes and other measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Peer-Supported Stand Down
- Stand Down app
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor