Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcoholism

Overseen By Anna B Parlier

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Serious medical, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test a web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who are not currently seeking treatment. The research explores the effectiveness of this online therapy in reducing alcohol use by expanding treatment access through technology. Participants will either receive the web-based CBT or join a control group with no intervention. Suitable candidates include those who have recently engaged in heavy drinking and have access to a smart device or computer. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could expand treatment options for many.

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 might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this web-based cognitive behavioral therapy is safe for alcohol use disorder?

Research has shown that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT) is generally safe for people dealing with alcohol use. One study found this treatment to be safe and practical, with participants experiencing no major negative effects. The study also found that this digital program can reduce alcohol use as effectively as traditional treatments.

No serious safety issues have been reported with this type of therapy. Designed for ease of use, it offers a comfortable choice for many. Overall, evidence suggests that online CBT4CBT is a promising and safe option for managing alcohol use. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT) for alcohol use disorder because it offers a unique, accessible approach to treatment. Unlike traditional therapies that often require in-person sessions, CBT4CBT is entirely online, making it more convenient and potentially more scalable. This format allows individuals to access therapy from the comfort of their own homes and at their own pace, which can lead to increased engagement and adherence. Additionally, this digital delivery method could reduce treatment costs and increase availability for people in remote or underserved areas.

What evidence suggests that this web-based cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for alcohol use disorder?

Research has shown that online cognitive behavioral therapy, known as CBT4CBT, effectively treats alcohol use disorder (AUD). One study found that CBT4CBT significantly reduced alcohol consumption compared to traditional treatments. Another study demonstrated that this digital approach led to a higher rate of abstinence, with 73.3% of participants not drinking during a specific period. Additionally, CBT4CBT improved drinking frequency, as confirmed by tests like urine screens. These findings suggest that online CBT4CBT could be a promising option for those looking to reduce alcohol use. Participants in this trial will be assigned to either the experimental arm, utilizing stand-alone web-based CBT4CBT, or a control arm with no intervention. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Dace Svikis

Principal Investigator

Virginia Commonwealth University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who haven't sought treatment. It's designed to test if a web-based cognitive behavioral therapy program, CBT4CBT, can help manage their AUD. Participants should be willing to undergo neurofunctional assessments.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to a smart mobile device or computer

I am either male or female.

English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria

Presenting with language barriers, cognitive impairment, or serious medical or psychiatric illness that would preclude them from providing informed consent or participating in the ResearchMatch.

Currently receiving specialized professional SUD treatment

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete the mobile CBT4CBT program over an 8-week period

8 weeks

Baseline assessment, 4-week check-in

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Follow-up study visit 1 (immediately after intervention), Follow-up study visit 2 (one month later)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Stand-alone web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT)

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of a standalone web-based cognitive behavioral therapy called CBT4CBT tailored for people with AUD. The aim is to see if this technology can improve outcomes for those not actively seeking traditional treatments.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm with utilize a stand-alone web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT) for alcohol use disorder

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

No intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Commonwealth University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

732

Recruited

22,900,000+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39325452/

A Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Adults ... Mean (SD) rates of PDA from baseline to 6-month follow-up were 49.3% (27.8%) to 69.6% (34.4%) for TAU; 53.7% (29.8%) to 70.2% (35.1%) for CBT; ...

2. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2824103

A Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Adults ... The results of this trial provide support for the efficacy of a digital CBT program with brief weekly clinical monitoring for individuals seeking treatment for ...

3. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27488212/

Efficacy as a Virtual Stand-Alone and Treatment ... - PubMed Conclusions: This trial demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of web-based CBT4CBT targeting alcohol use. CBT4CBT was superior to TAU ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/show/nct01615497

Study Details | Web-based CBT4CBT for Alcohol The primary outcome measures will be reduction in alcohol use (frequency of alcohol use by time, confirmed by urine toxicology screens and breathalyzers).

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1486338/full

The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy-based digital ... Results: The primary outcome, abstinence rate during weeks 9–12, was significantly higher in the digital intervention group (73.3%) compared to ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6120780/

Randomized clinical trial of computerized cognitive ... This randomized clinical trial evaluating a web-based CBT intervention in a heterogeneous sample of treatment-seeking substance users found ...

7. medicine.yale.edu medicine.yale.edu/news-article/a-digital-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-program-for-adults-with-alcohol-use-disorder/

Yale Study: Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program ... Study results revealed the digital program plus brief monitoring outperformed clinician-delivered CBT in terms of increasing alcohol abstinence, ...