Virtual Incentive Treatment for Alcohol

Launched by WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · Feb 9, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) using virtual support and a specific blood test. The researchers want to see if a telehealth program that includes online therapy and incentives for providing blood samples can help individuals reduce their alcohol use over six months. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive this combined therapy or just therapy with rewards for submitting blood samples, even if they don't stop drinking. The study aims to understand how effective this approach is in promoting sobriety and reducing alcohol-related problems.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be adults aged 18 and older who have had a recent history of heavy drinking (defined as consuming more than a certain number of drinks in a short period) and have a formal diagnosis of AUD. Participants need to be comfortable with virtual visits through Zoom and should not currently be receiving treatment for alcohol problems. Throughout the study, participants can expect to engage in online therapy sessions and provide blood samples to help track their progress. Additionally, the study will look at the costs and benefits of this new model to see how it can improve health outcomes for individuals and the community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Had 2 heavy drinking episodes (assigned male at birth \> 4 standard drinks (SDs), assigned female at birth \> 3 SDs) or ≥14 SDs in the prior 14 days verified by PEth 16:0/18:1 biomarker \> 20 ng/mL (indicates at least 2 heavy drinking episodes in past two weeks);
• • 2. Have a DSM-5 diagnosis of a current AUD as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5;
• • 3. 18+ (individuals over 65 will be assessed for cognitive impairments)
• • 4. Are not receiving treatment for AUD
• • 5. Are able to complete virtual study visits via Zoom
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. have a current diagnosis of severe substance use disorder (other than AUD, tobacco, and cannabis);
• • 2. PEth biomarker ≤ 20 ng/mL (indicates no heavy drinking in past month)
• • 3. inability to provide informed consent based on the UBACC or MacCAT-CR;
• • 4. alcohol withdrawal-related seizure or hospitalization in prior 12 months;
• • 5. psychiatrically or medically unsafe to participate, as assessed by the PI; and/or
• • 6. currently enrolled in alcohol treatment or another alcohol treatment study.