Mobile App-based Approach for Reducing Pain and Hazardous Drinking: a Pilot Study

Launched by BOSTON UNIVERSITY CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS · Feb 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new approach to help people who have chronic pain and are also drinking heavily. The study is testing a smartphone app designed to reduce both pain and alcohol use in individuals facing these challenges. Researchers want to see if this app is easy to use and acceptable for people, especially those living in rural areas.

To participate, you need to be between the ages of 65 and 74, have been drinking more than the recommended limits, and have had chronic pain for at least three months. Participants will use the app and provide feedback on their experience. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to create a helpful tool that can be used in regular healthcare settings to improve the lives of those dealing with both pain and alcohol use.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• • 1 Heavy drinking by NIAAA guidelines (weekly limits \[\> 7 standard drinks for women or men age 65+, \> 14 for men younger than 65\], and/or a heavy drinking episode in the past month \[\>3 for women or men age 65+, \> 4 for men younger than 65\]) or by a positive USAUDIT-C score
• • 2 Chronic pain \[at least 3 months in duration\] of at least moderate severity (4 or greater on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale from 0-10)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1 If on medication for pain or alcohol, not on same dose for at least 2 months \[Note: Participants who are on psychoactive medications for pain management may be included if they have a stable (at least 2 months) medication dose and state a willingness to continue use of medication as prescribed by their physician through the intervention phase\]
• • 2 Patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, or current suicidal intent.
• • 3 Prior history of withdrawal-related seizures or delirium tremens
• • 4 Current non-pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder or chronic pain.
• • 5 Any acute life-threatening illness that requires treatment or intend to have surgery for a pain-related condition in the next 6-months
• • 6 Pain that is related to a current cancer diagnosis
• • 7 Patients who are unable to provide one or more individuals who will likely know where they are at follow up
• • 8 Individuals who do not have a smartphone with which they can use to complete the remote study procedures.