Directly reinforcing abstinence from alcohol with monetary incentives is an effective treatment for alcohol dependence, but barriers in obtaining frequent, verified biochemical measures of abstinence limit the dissemination of this treatment approach. The goal of this feasibility study is to determine if using technological advancements to remotely, accurately, and securely monitor alcohol use with a newly developed breathalyzer is an effective treatment that is acceptable to participants. If validated, this treatment approach has the potential to facilitate the dissemination of an effective, evidence-based treatment for alcohol dependence to a broader population whose treatment needs are not currently being adequately met.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
69
Monetary incentives are delivered to participants contingent upon on-time breathalyzer submissions and verified abstinence from alcohol.
Monetary incentives are delivered to participants contingent upon on-time breathalyzer submissions only with no contingency on alcohol use.
Percent days abstinent from alcohol during intervention
Three breathalyzer assessments will be collected per day during the treatment period. This outcome measure will consist of the percent days when all three breathalyzers were on time and negative for alcohol.
Time frame: Percent days abstinent is the aggregate measure throughout the 21-day intervention period
Treatment acceptability
Participant ratings of treatment acceptability will be collected during assessment sessions
Time frame: Baseline, one day after treatment end, and at a one-month follow-up
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