What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for alcoholism, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-focused interventions, work by modifying behaviors and thought patterns that contribute to alcohol use. CBT, often delivered through individual-focused digital support like smartphone apps, helps patients identify and change harmful behaviors and thoughts. Family-focused interventions involve family members to create a supportive environment that reinforces abstinence and addresses relational issues. These approaches are essential for alcoholism patients as they offer structured, evidence-based methods to reduce drinking and support sustained recovery.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for alcoholism that involve behavioral modification through digital support, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and smartphone interventions, generally have minimal physical side effects. However, patients may experience psychological or emotional challenges, such as increased anxiety or stress, especially when confronting their drinking behaviors. Additionally, adherence to digital interventions can be variable, and some individuals may find it difficult to stay engaged with the program. Family-focused interventions may also bring to light familial tensions or conflicts, which can be emotionally taxing for both the individual and their family members.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Naltrexone works by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol, acamprosate helps to stabilize brain chemistry, and disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed. While these medications are effective, recent studies have explored the use of digital interventions, such as smartphone applications, to support behavioral modification. These digital interventions can be either drinker-focused, providing individual support and monitoring, or family-focused, involving family members in the treatment process. Although these digital approaches are still under investigation, they represent a promising complement to pharmacologic treatments.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives for alcoholism treatment in 2024 include: 1) Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy, which uses immersive environments to simulate real-life scenarios and help patients develop coping strategies. 2) AI-driven Personalized Therapy Apps that use machine learning to adapt treatment plans based on user behavior and progress. 3) Telehealth-based Integrated Care Programs that combine remote consultations with healthcare providers, digital CBT, and continuous monitoring. 4) Digital Contingency Management, which provides real-time rewards for sobriety and adherence to treatment protocols. 5) Peer Support Platforms with AI moderation, offering 24/7 support and community engagement.

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Smartphone Interventions for Alcoholism

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By David Gustafson, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of Wisconsin, Madison

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing two smartphone apps to help people reduce their drinking. One app is for the person who drinks, and the other involves both the drinker and a family member. The study targets people who drink and their families to address increased drinking due to COVID-19. The apps offer tools and support to help reduce alcohol consumption.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for pairs of adults where one is a drinker meeting criteria for risky alcohol use or alcohol use disorder, and the other is a close family member. They must be willing to complete interviews over a year and able to use smartphones. Those with serious mental illness or recent interpersonal violence are excluded.

What is being tested?

The study compares two smartphone-based interventions: ACHESS (drinker-focused) and PartnerCHESS (family-focused), against a control group in reducing drinking-related issues due to COVID-19. Participants form dyads of drinkers with family partners, randomly assigned to one of three groups.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves smartphone applications rather than medications, traditional side effects are not expected. However, participants may experience stress or emotional discomfort while engaging with the intervention content.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in number of patient risky drinking days

Change in psychological distress

Secondary study objectives

Change in % days drinking & other drug use

Change in Covid Vaccination/Infection

Ethanol

+5 more

Other study objectives

Change in Loneliness for both Patient and Partner

Change in Pain for both Patient and Partner: PROMIS-29

Change in number of Days Patient Used Other Drugs for Patient and Partner.

+2 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: FamCHESS-CExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

In the FamCHESS-C arm, drinker and partner will both receive a smartphone with the FamCHESS-C app, which contains ACHESS-C services plus ABCT/ PartnerCHESS services.

Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Both the drinker and family partner will receive a smartphone with pre-programmed contact information for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), and crisis hot lines.

Group III: ACHESS-CActive Control1 Intervention

In ACHESS-C, both the drinker and the partner will receive a smartphone, but only the drinker will receive the ACHESS-C app. The partner will receive a smartphone with contact information for standard AUD, SUD, and crisis support.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

PartnerCHESS

2021

N/A

~470

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for alcoholism, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-focused interventions, work by modifying behaviors and thought patterns that contribute to alcohol use. CBT, often delivered through individual-focused digital support like smartphone apps, helps patients identify and change harmful behaviors and thoughts. Family-focused interventions involve family members to create a supportive environment that reinforces abstinence and addresses relational issues. These approaches are essential for alcoholism patients as they offer structured, evidence-based methods to reduce drinking and support sustained recovery.

Family interventions in the treatment of alcohol and drug problems.