Text Message Support for Alcohol Abuse

Overseen By Tibor Palfai, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus

Disqualifiers: Alcohol treatment, Delirium tremens, Bipolar, Schizophrenia

Stay on Your Current Meds You can continue your current medications while participating

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how text messages can boost the effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions for college students who drink heavily. It tests whether adding four weeks of supportive text messages, known as "text messaging boosters," to an existing brief intervention can help students reduce their alcohol use more effectively and for longer. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving just the intervention, one with text messages, and one for assessment only. This trial is ideal for college students who have experienced at least two heavy drinking episodes in the past month and own a smartphone.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for students to contribute to innovative research that could enhance support for healthier drinking habits.

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

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently receiving treatment for alcohol or drug use, you would not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that text messaging boosters are safe for college students?

Research shows that using text messages to reduce alcohol use is generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that these messages can help people drink less without causing harm. Specifically, a short counseling session combined with supportive text messages has lowered risky drinking habits. Although questions remain about the overall effectiveness of this method, the safety of using text messages is not a major concern. This approach is non-invasive and doesn't involve medication, reducing the likelihood of side effects. Overall, evidence suggests that using text messages as a follow-up to a brief alcohol intervention safely helps college students drink less. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using text message support for alcohol abuse because it offers a unique, tech-driven approach to treatment. Unlike traditional methods that may require in-person therapy sessions or medication, this method provides continuous support through a simple and accessible platform—your phone. The enhanced intervention combines a brief online alcohol intervention with personalized text messaging boosters, creating a more engaging and persistent support system. This innovative approach could make getting help more convenient and less stigmatized, potentially reaching a broader audience who might not seek traditional treatment.

What evidence suggests that text messaging boosters are effective for reducing heavy alcohol use?

This trial will compare different approaches to reducing risky drinking. One group will receive only the brief alcohol intervention, eCHECKUP TO GO. Another group will receive the same intervention plus 4 weeks of supportive text messaging boosters. Research has shown that sending supportive text messages along with brief alcohol counseling sessions can help reduce risky drinking. Studies have found that these text messages can enhance the effectiveness of counseling. This approach has been especially promising in reducing alcohol use and its related problems. However, some research suggests that text messages alone might not significantly reduce drinking among younger people. Therefore, using text messages as a follow-up to counseling, rather than as the sole treatment, may help extend the benefits. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bonnie Rowland, MA

Principal Investigator

Boston University Charles River Campus

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This study is for college students who engage in heavy or hazardous drinking and are not actively seeking treatment. Participants must be willing to complete baseline measures and can't be involved in other alcohol intervention studies.

Inclusion Criteria

Report at least 2 heavy drinking episodes in the past month

Own a smartphone with capability to run smartphone application

Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program

Exclusion Criteria

Current or past-year treatment (counseling or medication) for alcohol or drug use

History of delirium tremens and/or seizures as a result of alcohol withdrawal

Lifetime diagnosis of either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline measures before randomization

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants receive the brief alcohol intervention, eCHECKUP TO GO, with or without text messaging boosters

4 weeks

Text messaging boosters on Monday, Thursday-Sunday for Enhanced Intervention group

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in heavy/hazardous alcohol use and alcohol-related negative consequences

3 months

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Text messaging boosters

Trial Overview

The trial tests if a text-messaging booster can improve the effectiveness of an existing online brief alcohol intervention, eCHECKUP TO GO. Students will randomly receive either just assessments, the brief intervention alone, or the intervention with text boosters.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Enhanced Intervention Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Brief alcohol intervention, eCHECKUP TO GO, + 4 weeks of text messaging boosters (Monday, Thursday-Sunday)

Group II: Intervention (BAI) Only Active Control 1 Intervention

Only the brief alcohol intervention, eCHECKUP TO GO, is administered to this group

Group III: Assessment Only Active Control 1 Intervention

Assessment only condition, no intervention material delivered to this group

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University Charles River Campus

Lead Sponsor

Trials

125

Recruited

14,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

An automated text messaging system was tested with 39 adolescents and young adults in a pilot study, showing high feasibility with 63% enrollment and 89.7% retention after baseline assessments.

Participants reported a positive experience with the text messages, especially those that were supportive and empowering, indicating that text messaging can effectively complement substance use interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Text message reminders as an adjunct to a substance use intervention for adolescents and young adults: Pilot feasibility and acceptability findings. Schwebel, FJ., Larimer, ME.[2022]

An 8-week SMS-based intervention for alcohol-dependent patients after detoxification showed good feasibility and acceptability, with 57.14% of participants responding to at least half of the prompts.

While 55.7% of patients in the SMS group achieved low-risk alcohol consumption compared to 40% in the treatment as usual group, the difference was not statistically significant, indicating the need for further research with larger sample sizes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A surveillance tool using mobile phone short message service to reduce alcohol consumption among alcohol-dependent patients. Lucht, MJ., Hoffman, L., Haug, S., et al.[2017]

The text message-based aftercare program for alcohol outpatients was well accepted, with participants responding to 88.1% of prompts, indicating high engagement with the intervention.

At follow-up, the program showed a trend towards reduced at-risk alcohol use (28.6% in the intervention group vs. 41.7% in the control group), suggesting potential effectiveness that warrants further testing in a larger trial.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot study on the feasibility and acceptability of a text message-based aftercare treatment programme among alcohol outpatients. Haug, S., Lucht, MJ., John, U., et al.[2015]

A study involving 59 patients with alcohol use disorder showed that supportive text messaging after treatment can significantly extend the time before a patient has their first drink, with the intervention group averaging about 60 days compared to 26 days for the control group.

The text messaging intervention also demonstrated small to moderate improvements in cumulative abstinence duration and alcohol consumption, indicating it could be a valuable follow-up care tool for patients after residential treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized controlled pilot trial of supportive text messaging for alcohol use disorder patients. Agyapong, VIO., Juhás, M., Mrklas, K., et al.[2019]

Mobile phone systems for treating alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) are categorized into four groups, with comprehensive recovery management systems showing the strongest theoretical support and longest-lasting effects.

While text-messaging applications may offer some benefits, they are likely not sufficient as standalone interventions for AUDs, highlighting the need for more robust and evidence-based solutions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile Delivery of Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorders: A Review of the Literature. Quanbeck, A., Chih, MY., Isham, A., et al.[2022]

A text message program sent to 224 college students showed a high engagement rate, with 90% of queries completed, and effectively reduced weekend binge drinking over 6 weeks.

The study found that students who committed to a drinking-limit goal consumed less alcohol, with men showing greater reductions in consumption compared to women, indicating the program's potential effectiveness in promoting responsible drinking behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A text message program as a booster to in-person brief interventions for mandated college students to prevent weekend binge drinking. Suffoletto, B., Merrill, JE., Chung, T., et al.[2018]

A meta-analysis of studies published between 2010 and 2018 found that mobile phone text messaging interventions were not effective in reducing alcohol intake among youth and younger adults.

The analysis included randomized control trials and pre-post studies that focused on problem drinking criteria set by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effectiveness of Mobile Phone-Based Text Messaging to Intervene with Problem Drinking in Youth and Younger Adult Population: A Meta-Analysis. Bastola, MM., Locatis, C., Maisiak, R., et al.[2021]

Text messaging interventions for individuals with illicit drug and alcohol dependence are both acceptable and feasible, as shown by a systematic review of 11 studies.

These interventions have been associated with improved clinical outcomes, including better medication adherence and increased engagement with support groups, while also addressing various therapeutic targets like motivation and relapse prevention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mobile phone messaging for illicit drug and alcohol dependence: A systematic review of the literature. Tofighi, B., Nicholson, JM., McNeely, J., et al.[2019]

In a 12-week pilot study with 152 participants, daily remote text messaging interventions significantly reduced alcohol consumption and heavy drinking days compared to weekly self-tracking messages, indicating their potential as effective stand-alone tools for problem drinkers.

Among the different types of messages tested, tailored adaptive texts showed the largest effect sizes in reducing drinking frequency and quantity, suggesting that personalized messaging may enhance the effectiveness of alcohol reduction strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of Different Mobile Messaging Interventions for Problem Drinking Compared to Weekly Drink Tracking. Muench, F., van Stolk-Cooke, K., Kuerbis, A., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 26 patients with alcohol use disorder and depression, 75% reported that supportive text messages helped remind them to stay abstinent from alcohol.

83% of participants felt that these text messages were useful for improving their mental health, motivating their recovery, and preventing relapse.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perception of patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid depression about the usefulness of supportive text messages. Agyapong, VI., Milnes, J., McLoughlin, DM., et al.[2015]

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