Web Intervention for Alcohol Use Disorder

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Stanford University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Alcohol misuse is a prevalent and serious problem with significant harms to society, individuals, and their relationships. Romantic partners have a strong influence on their partner's behavior, uniquely positioning them as a motivator and supportive factor in changing their partner's alcohol use, but little evidence exists on the specific ways they can influence their partner. The impact this has on the quality of their relationship, communication, and overall well-being has yet to be explored. Thus, this study utilizes qualitative, quantitative, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data from both partners to develop a web-based intervention that applies communication-based personalized feedback to support the concerned partner (CP) in motivating their drinking partner (DP) to reduce drinking and other adverse relationship outcomes.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for couples where one partner is concerned about the other's drinking habits. Both partners must be willing to participate and use a web-based intervention (WBI) designed to help reduce alcohol consumption through improved communication.

Inclusion Criteria

Be in a romantic relationship

I live with my partner.

I am 18 years old or older.

See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Report 4/5+ on the AUDIT-C

Treatment Details

Interventions

Web-based Intervention (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests a new WBI that provides personalized feedback aimed at helping the concerned partner encourage their significant other to drink less. The effectiveness of this approach on reducing alcohol misuse and improving relationship quality will be assessed using various data collection methods.

Participant Groups

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Develop and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a WBI providing personalized feedbackExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

We will use the Behavioral Intervention Technology Model framework to iteratively develop a four-session WBI that includes CRAFT principles and education about communication patterns learned in Aim 1. During the WBI, CPs will receive personalized feedback based on their baseline data on how their communication may influence their DP's drinking. We will evaluate the WBI's feasibility and acceptability with 15 CPs to iteratively improve the WBI.

Group II: Perform a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing WBI to psychoeducation controlActive Control1 Intervention

Outcomes include DP drinking (primary), CP well-being (e.g., depression, anxiety, social support), and relationship functioning (e.g., relationship distress). Although the WBI will target CPs, we will collect data from both partners (N=80 couples) at baseline and 1-month follow-up to evaluate effects. Hyp4: DP, CP, and relationship outcomes will show greater improvement in the WBI compared to control.

Group III: Identify CP communication behaviors that elicit or inhibit DP drinking using EMAActive Control1 Intervention

Couples (N=50 dyads) with one CP and one DP will be recruited from social media. Both partners will independently complete baseline and follow-up surveys. Both the CP and DP will independently complete a 21-day EMA with three daily reports on their communication and DP's drinking (craving, motives, consumption, problems). We will identify specific CP communication behaviors as proximal and long-term predictors of the DP's drinking and non-drinking. Hyp1: CP punishing drinking (e.g., yelling) will relate to increases in DP drinking. Hyp2: CP rewarding drinking (e.g., bringing alcohol home) will relate to increases in DP drinking. Hyp3: CP rewarding sobriety (e.g., planning non-drinking activities) will relate to decreases in DP drinking.