Mobile App-based Approach for Reducing Pain and Hazardous Drinking: a Pilot Study
Chronic pain and heavy drinking are common co-occurring conditions among patients presenting to primary care settings. Given their impact on functioning and medical outcomes, there would be considerable benefit to developing an accessible, easily utilized, integrative approach to reduce alcohol use and pain that can be readily incorporated into the health care settings. The objective of this study is to test a modified version of a smartphone-based intervention for reducing pain and alcohol use among individuals experiencing chronic pain who engage in heavy drinking. The primary goal is to test the feasibility and acceptability of implementing this intervention in a sample that includes participants from rural areas and providing initial data on the utility of the intervention.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria  1 Heavy drinking by NIAAA guidelines (weekly limits [> 7 standard drinks for women or men age 65+, > 14 for men younger than 65], and/or a heavy drinking episode in the past month [>3 for women or men age 65+, > 4 for men younger than 65]) or by a positive USAUDIT-C score 2 Chronic pain [at least 3 months in duration] of at least moderate severity (4 or greater on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale from 0-10)  Exclusion Criteria:  1 If on medication for pain or alcohol, not on same dose for at least 2 months [Note: Participants who are on psychoactive medications for pain management may be included if they have a stable (at least 2 months) medication dose and state a willingness to continue use of medication as prescribed by their physician through the intervention phase] 2 Patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, or current suicidal intent. 3 Prior history of withdrawal-related seizures or delirium tremens 4 Current non-pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder or chronic pain. 5 Any acute life-threatening illness that requires treatment or intend to have surgery for a pain-related condition in the next 6-months 6 Pain that is related to a current cancer diagnosis 7 Patients who are unable to provide one or more individuals who will likely know where they are at follow up 8 Individuals who do not have a smartphone with which they can use to complete the remote study procedures. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult