Feasibility and acceptability of a trauma-informed and peer-supported digital brief intervention for heavy-drinking...

Brief interventions (BIs) are generally effective at reducing heavy drinking and mitigating alcohol-related harms. However, some studies suggest that BIs may be less effective for substance-using interpersonal trauma survivors, indicating additional modifications may be needed to improve outcomes for this at-risk demographic. Additionally, given lower engagement and adherence in digital modalities, digital navigators such as peer coaches may help strengthen gains following technology-based BIs. The purpose of the present study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile-delivered, trauma-informed BI for undergraduate emerging adults with interpersonal trauma and heavy alcohol use that was augmented with peer coaches. Participants included 52 individuals recruited as part of an ongoing randomized pilot trial. Participants completed a digital BI, peer coaching sessions via synchronous text messages at 1 and 2 months post-BI, and a 3-month follow-up. Completion rates were high, with approximately 80% of the sample completing the peer coaching sessions, and results showed that the majority of participants had positive perceptions of the BI and peer coaching. Findings indicate that BIs supported with peer coaching are feasible and acceptable, although rigorous examinations of their effectiveness relative to existing interventions are needed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).