Financially Sustainable Remote Treatment for Alcohol Abuse: Feasibility

Financially Sustainable Remote Treatment for Alcohol Abuse: Feasibility

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 use a breathalyzer and cost-controlling deposit contracts to facilitate a contingency-management intervention to reduce alcohol use that requires no in-person contact between the participants and the study staff during the intervention phase.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Provide written informed consent
• Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria for alcohol use disorder
• Express a desire to cut down or quit drinking
• Be willing to pay a $75 deposit toward their incentive fund

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or lactating
• Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria for other substance use disorder (except caffeine or nicotine)
• Score 23 or greater on the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Checklist
• Have immediate plans to move out of the area