The Drinking Dashboard for alcohol-induced blackout: A randomized pilot trial

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Substance Use Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Alcohol-induced blackouts are common among young adults.
• Blackouts are linked to increased motivation for behavior change.
• A digital health intervention, the "Drinking Dashboard," was developed to address blackouts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot-test a theoretically informed digital health intervention for alcohol-induced blackouts.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the "Drinking Dashboard" intervention.
• To prepare for a future randomized controlled trial of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative and quantitative data collection from young adults (18-30 years) reporting recent blackouts.
• Study 1: Qualitative pilot testing and intervention refinement.
• Study 2: Randomized controlled trial comparing the "Drinking Dashboard" to a screen time control, with 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The "Drinking Dashboard" was accessed by most intervention participants and rated highly for acceptability.
• Both groups showed reductions in peak BAC, blackouts, and consequences.
• Dashboard participants demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in high-intensity drinking at 3 months.

Conclusions:

• The "Drinking Dashboard" is a feasible and acceptable intervention for young adults experiencing blackouts.
• The intervention shows promise in reducing high-intensity drinking.
• Results support the progression to a larger, future clinical trial.