A Brief Intervention for Young Adult Substance Users With Interpersonal Trauma

Launched by WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY · Aug 5, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing a new type of support for young adults who drink heavily and have experienced trauma in their relationships, such as abuse or violence. The study aims to improve a short, mobile phone-based program that helps these individuals cope better with their feelings and reduce their alcohol use. Some participants will also get extra help from peer coaches—people with similar experiences who provide ongoing support after the program ends. The researchers hope that this added support will make the program more effective and easier to stick with over time.

To join the study, you need to be between 18 and 29 years old, speak English, have a cell phone, have a history of trauma, and currently drink heavily. People already getting therapy or medication for substance use are not eligible. If you participate, you will be randomly assigned to either the improved program with peer coaching or the standard version without coaching. The study team will check in with you 3 and 6 months later to see how you’re doing. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it hopes to offer a helpful, trauma-informed way to reduce heavy drinking among young adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 18 to 29
• • 2. Ability to speak and understand English
• • 3. Access to a cell phone
• • 4. Lifetime history of interpersonal trauma exposure
• • 5. Heavy alcohol use
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1) Currently receiving psychological therapy or psychotropic medication for substance use.