Cognitive and Mindfulness Therapies for Alcohol Abuse
(A-ROC-T Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how two strategies—cognitive-behavioral therapy (focusing on the negative consequences of drinking) and mindfulness (using meditation to manage cravings)—can help reduce alcohol use. The aim is to determine if these approaches, including the Regulation of Craving training, change drinking habits. The trial seeks young adults who have experienced at least three heavy drinking days in the past month and wish to cut back or quit drinking. Participants should be comfortable using a smartphone and have internet access. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding innovative strategies for reducing alcohol use.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that psychoactive medications (like mood stabilizers) must be at a stable dose unless approved by the study psychiatrist.
What prior data suggests that these therapies are safe for treating alcohol use disorder?
Research has shown that mindfulness-based treatments for substance use problems, such as alcohol abuse, are generally easy for people to handle. Studies have found that these treatments work as well as other proven methods in reducing alcohol use. Participants often report positive outcomes, particularly in managing stress and reducing substance use.
Evidence supports cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for its safety and effectiveness. It is commonly used to treat alcohol and drug issues. Studies indicate that CBT helps people reduce their drinking and is well-received by participants.
Both mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapies have strong safety records. Participants typically manage these treatments well, with few reports of negative effects. These therapies are promising options for anyone considering joining a clinical trial for alcohol abuse therapy.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for alcohol abuse because they offer new ways to manage cravings without medication. Mindfulness-Based Treatment uses mindfulness and meditation to help individuals become more aware of their cravings and respond to them more calmly. This approach is different because it focuses on present-moment awareness, which can help reduce impulsive drinking behaviors. On the other hand, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy encourages individuals to think about the negative consequences of alcohol use, helping them to resist cravings by changing their thought patterns. These methods provide alternative strategies to traditional medication-based treatments, potentially offering fewer side effects and empowering individuals to manage their cravings through mental techniques.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for alcohol abuse?
Research shows that both mindfulness-based treatments (MBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage alcohol cravings. In this trial, participants will join different treatment arms to evaluate these approaches. The Mindfulness-Based Treatment arm employs mindfulness and meditative strategies to reduce cravings and the chance of relapse. For instance, individuals using mindfulness techniques were less likely to return to heavy drinking. Meanwhile, the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy arm helps participants consider the negative effects of drinking, which can lead to reduced alcohol consumption. Overall, both methods have successfully helped people control cravings and decrease alcohol use.24678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Hedy Kober, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Yale University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young adults aged 18-26 who drink heavily and are motivated to cut down. They must speak English, have at least a 6th-grade reading level, internet access, and a smartphone. Pregnant women or those with severe physical diseases, psychiatric illnesses, drug abuse (except tobacco), unstable medication doses, or color blindness cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo 4 x 45-minute web-based sessions of CBT-ROC-T or MBT-ROC-T over three weeks
Post-intervention Assessment
Participants complete a post-intervention assessment visit
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Regulation of Craving
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator