CompletedNot Applicable

Smartphone-paired Breathalyzers and Loss- and Gain-framed Texts for Reducing Drinking and Driving

United States58 participantsStarted 2017-12-21

Plain-language summary

This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a scalable behavioral intervention using smartphone-paired breathalyzers and text message aimed at reducing drinking and driving among individuals who report heavy drinking. All participants receive a smartphone breathalyzer to provide feedback on their estimated blood alcohol level. The intervention compares loss- and gain-framed messages that make the consequences of drinking and driving more salient to standard messages not to drink and drive.

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years – 39 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 21-39 * Reports an average of one heavy drinking day (men more than five drinks, women more than four drinks) per week over the preceding 8 weeks * Has a valid photo identification (ID) * Are willing and able to use an Uber or Lyft or septa as transportation home * Drives four or more trips per week * Owns an Apple iPhone or Android smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Desire for alcohol treatment now or have received alcohol treatment within the past 6 months * Alcohol use disorder rated as severe per DSM-V criteria * Non-English-speaking * Women who are pregnant * Individuals who should not consume alcohol due to a medical condition such as liver disease, cancer, and seizure disorders. Participants will be asked to answer yes if they have any disorder that their doctor has suggested that they should not drink alcohol. If they are unsure or say I don't know the investigators will ask them to speak with their doctor prior to participation.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The primary outcome measure will be the change in proportion of breathalyzer measurements submitted with self-reported drinking episodes across groups.

Timeframe: baseline up to 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03335735

SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-04-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Alcohol Drinking trials