Virtual Incentive Treatment for Alcohol
The overall objective of this program of research is to utilize phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a blood-based biomarker that can detect alcohol use for up to 28 days to deliver a feasible telehealth-based 26-week CM intervention. This study will test a telehealth PEth-based CM model in a sample of adults with AUD (n=200), recruited via online platforms by randomizing individuals to six months of 1) an online cognitive behavioral therapy for AUD (CBT4CBT) and telehealth PEth-based CM (CM condition) or 2) CBT4CBT and reinforcers for submitting blood samples (no abstinence required) (control condition). Investigators will assess group differences in PEth-defined abstinence and regular excessive drinking (PEth >= 200 ng/mL), and alcohol-related harms (e.g., smoking, drug use). This study will address important gaps in CM research by assessing outcomes during a 12-month follow-up, which is much longer than most previous CM studies; using a conceptual model to identify predictors of post-treatment abstinence. Investigators will conduct an economic analysis to place the cost of this model in the context of downstream CM-associated cost-offsets and improvements in personal and public health.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Had 2 heavy drinking episodes (assigned male at birth > 4 standard drinks (SDs), assigned female at birth > 3 SDs) or ≥14 SDs in the prior 14 days verified by PEth 16:0/18:1 biomarker > 20 ng/mL (indicates at least 2 heavy drinking episodes in past two weeks); Have a DSM-5 diagnosis of a current AUD as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5; 18+ (individuals over 65 will be assessed for cognitive impairments) Are not receiving treatment for AUD Are able to complete virtual study visits via Zoom  Exclusion Criteria:  have a current diagnosis of severe substance use disorder (other than AUD, tobacco, and cannabis); PEth biomarker ≤ 20 ng/mL (indicates no heavy drinking in past month) inability to provide informed consent based on the UBACC or MacCAT-CR; alcohol withdrawal-related seizure or hospitalization in prior 12 months; psychiatrically or medically unsafe to participate, as assessed by the PI; and/or currently enrolled in alcohol treatment or another alcohol treatment study. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult