Reward yourself to drink less: simple trick tested in new trial
NCT ID NCT07686276
First seen Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a simple psychological trick—rewarding yourself each week you successfully cut back on alcohol—helps people drink less. Adults in the UK who regularly drink 14 or more units of alcohol per week will be randomly assigned to either make a plan to reduce drinking or to also set a weekly self-reward for success. Alcohol consumption is measured after one week and one month.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- self-incentive (behavioural intervention)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help people reduce hazardous drinking without medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with self-reported outcomes, so results may not be reliable or generalizable. The effect may be small or short-lived.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Lancaster University
Lancaster, United Kingdom
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