Can a phone app tame pain and booze? small study says maybe.

NCT ID NCT06281821

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a smartphone app designed to help people who have both chronic pain and heavy drinking habits. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy and acceptable to use, especially for people in rural areas. The study involved 32 participants who used the app for 8 weeks with weekly coaching. It was a small, early-stage study focused on feasibility, not on proving the app works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

smartphone app with coaching

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a simple, accessible way to help people manage both chronic pain and heavy drinking.

What could go wrong

This was a very small, early feasibility study with only 32 participants. It was not designed to prove the app works, only that it is acceptable to use.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC PAIN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alcohol Drinking Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Boston University

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States