Brief Online Intervention for Veterans

Launched by RAND · Jan 24, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

**Summary of Clinical Trial: Brief Online Intervention for Veterans**

This clinical trial is studying a new online program designed to help veterans who are struggling with heavy drinking and may not be seeking help for their mental health. The program provides personalized feedback based on the drinking habits of similar veterans, aiming to encourage participants to consider getting treatment for their alcohol use and related mental health issues. The researchers want to see if this brief online intervention can make a difference in the lives of young veterans who have recently left the military and are drinking heavily but have not sought help.

To join the study, participants need to be veterans aged 18 to 40 who have separated from the military within the last five years, can read English, and have access to a computer and the internet. They should not be currently involved in any mental health treatment related to alcohol use or other concerns. Participants will receive either the feedback intervention or a control program that only provides general information. The study will track their progress over a year to see how well the intervention works in reducing drinking and encouraging them to seek treatment. This trial is important because it aims to reach veterans who may not have many options for support and could benefit from a simple, accessible online resource.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Veterans aged 18 to 40 who has separated/discharged from military service from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, or Navy
• • Not currently affiliated with active duty service or in the reserves or guard units
• • Able to read English (also a requirement of military service)
• • Access to a computer, Internet, and personal email address
• • No appointments in the past six months and no pending appointments with a mental health professional or medical doctor for treatment of concerns related to alcohol use, other substance use, PTSD, depression, or other mental health concerns
• • AUDIT-C scores of 3 or higher (for females) or 4 or higher (for males), which represents a sex-specific positive screen for hazardous and harmful alcohol use, as well as a possible AUD in civilian and military samples
• • Separation from the military within the past 5 years.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • None besides not meeting eligibility criteria