Cognitive Interference Task on Alcohol Craving and Consumption

Effects of a Cognitive Interference Task on Alcohol Craving and Consumption Among Women

The purpose of this study is to test a brief task of playing the game Tetris to reduce alcohol cravings and alcohol use. Women who are seen at primary care and recruited through the community will be asked to rate alcohol craving and use for a 1-week baseline period. Then they will be randomly assigned to play the Tetris game on their phones daily or to a control condition for a 2-week period. Participants will also complete a cue-reactivity task, that involves viewing pictures of alcohol and rating cravings.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Female, any race or ethnicity, age 21 to 65 years old.
2. Able to comprehend English.
3. At least one heavy drinking per week (i.e., consuming at least four or more drinks in one day) for the last two weeks
4. Internet access and reliable electronic device

Exclusion Criteria:

1. More than four heavy drinking days per week.
2. Currently engaged in treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
3. Current clinically significant bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, or psychotic disorder.
4. Pregnant.
5. Imminently suicidal or homicidal.
6. Participants taking psychoactive medications that may affect alcohol craving or consumption.
7. A score of 10 or higher on the Clinical Institute of Alcohol Withdrawal Revised (CIWA-R).24