Brief Intervention for Alcohol Use Disorder

Overseen By Matt Woodward, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Western Kentucky University

Must not be taking: Psychotropic medication

Disqualifiers: Psychological therapy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to improve a mobile-based program designed to assist young adults who drink heavily and have experienced interpersonal trauma. The researchers will compare two versions of the program: one includes trauma-informed strategies and peer support (the Trauma-Informed and Peer-Supported Brief Intervention), and the other is a standard version without these enhancements. The goal is to determine if the enhanced program more effectively reduces alcohol use. Suitable participants are young adults who have experienced trauma and drink heavily but are not currently in therapy for substance use. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could lead to more effective support for young adults facing similar challenges.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently taking medication for substance use, you cannot participate in this trial.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that trauma-informed care can help reduce alcohol and drug use, and these methods are generally well-received. Additionally, digital tools for treating alcohol problems, like those under testing, have shown promise in other studies. These tools have not caused major side effects and are considered safe for participants.

The trauma-informed and peer-supported brief intervention offers personalized feedback and coping strategies for trauma-related stress. Studies suggest that these elements can help manage symptoms like anxiety and depression without causing harm. Overall, this approach appears safe, and participants typically respond well to these interventions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Trauma-Informed and Peer-Supported Brief Intervention (TIPS-BI) for Alcohol Use Disorder because it combines personalized feedback with trauma-informed care and peer support, setting it apart from traditional brief interventions. Unlike standard options, which might focus solely on reducing alcohol consumption, TIPS-BI addresses the underlying trauma that often drives substance use, offering psychoeducation and alternative coping strategies for managing distress. Additionally, the inclusion of trained peer support through regular follow-ups adds a layer of personal connection and accountability, which can enhance motivation and adherence to the intervention.

What evidence suggests that the Trauma-Informed and Peer-Supported Brief Intervention could be effective for reducing alcohol use?

Studies have shown that trauma-informed and peer-supported digital programs can reduce heavy drinking in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this trial, participants may receive the Trauma-Informed and Peer-Supported Brief Intervention, which combines trauma-focused methods with peer support to address alcohol use and trauma-related issues like anxiety and depression. Treatments that help people cope with trauma have significantly reduced drinking compared to traditional methods. Additionally, peer support can boost motivation and help individuals stick to new coping strategies. This combination of approaches shows promise for those dealing with both heavy drinking and past trauma. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults who frequently consume alcohol and have experienced interpersonal trauma. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants must meet certain health conditions and agree to follow-up assessments.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to speak and understand English

Access to a cell phone

Lifetime history of interpersonal trauma exposure

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently in therapy or taking medication for substance use.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive a mobile-delivered brief intervention with personalized feedback and coping strategies

1-2 weeks

1 session (virtual)

Peer Coaching Follow-up

Trained peers follow up with participants via text message to review adherence to goals and offer support

6 months

Monthly check-ins (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after intervention

6 months

Assessments at 3 and 6 months (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Trauma-Informed and Peer-Supported Brief Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a mobile-based brief intervention aimed at reducing heavy alcohol use among those with past trauma. It compares an enhanced version with peer support to a standard intervention, measuring effectiveness over 3 and 6 months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Trauma-Informed and Peer-Supported Brief Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In addition to the components of the standard brief intervention, the TIPS-BI will include personalized feedback about participants use of substances to cope. Additionally, participants will be provided with psychoeducation about the link between substance use, trauma, and coping motives, and information highlighting the iatrogenic effects that substance use has on negative emotions. Participants will also be given a series of evidence-based alternative coping strategies for managing trauma-related distress such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Participants will be asked to set goals related to utilization of these alternative coping strategies. Participants will then be informed that a trained peer who is part of the research team will follow up with them via text message at the monthly time points to review adherence to their goals and offer support.

Group II: Standard Brief Intervention Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Immediately following completion of the baseline assessment, participants will be texted a link to a secure website which contains the participant's personalized feedback. Personalized feedback is automatically presented via a programming algorithm that is based on the participants baseline survey responses. The personalized feedback component will include a personalized substance use profile, information on peer norms, prior substance-related consequences experienced by the participant, practical costs (e.g., money spent on substances, fees for a DUI), and standard protective behavioral strategies to limit substance-related risk.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Western Kentucky University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

12

Recruited

1,400+

Citations

1. digitalcommons.wku.edu digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4712&context=theses

Effectiveness of a Peer-Supported Digital Brief Intervention The purpose of the current study is to determine whether a trauma-informed and peer-supported digital brief intervention in a sample of heavy ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6561400/

Behavioral Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder and Post ... This review describes evidence-supported behavioral interventions for treating AUD alone, PTSD alone, and comorbid AUD and PTSD. Evidence-based behavioral ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871624003296

Integrated behavioral interventions for adults with alcohol ... Studies revealed that integrated intervention led to significant reductions in heavy drinking compared to usual care or other interventions. •.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6491186/

Effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions in primary care ... Brief interventions aim to reduce alcohol consumption and related harm in hazardous and harmful drinkers who are not actively seeking help for alcohol problems.

5. uptodate.com uptodate.com/contents/brief-interventions-for-unhealthy-alcohol-and-other-substance-use-in-adults/print

Brief interventions for unhealthy alcohol and other substance ... Brief interventions have not been shown to be effective in patients with alcohol use disorder, even when brief interventions are extended ...

6. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00220426241263264

Trauma Informed Care (TIC) Interventions for Populations ... Broadly, outcomes in the various trauma-informed interventions indicated decreased alcohol and drug use compared to baseline rates (Bray et ...

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

Digital interventions for alcohol use disorders: A narrative ... This narrative review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the use of digital interventions for AUD, and to critically assess the promise and pitfalls of these ...