Phone feedback cuts heavy drinking in young adults?

NCT ID NCT05509218

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

Summary

This study tested whether sending young adults personalized feedback about their drinking the morning after could help them cut back. 152 heavy drinkers aged 18-29 were randomly assigned to receive daily feedback via mobile phone, with or without monetary incentives, or just complete surveys. The goal was to see if this approach reduces drinks per week, heavy drinking days, and negative consequences.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Mobile-delivered personalized feedback

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a scalable, low-cost way to help young adults reduce hazardous drinking.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study (152 participants) testing feasibility, not a large trial. Results may not generalize, and the intervention may not produce lasting behavior change.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alcohol Drinking Underage Drinking

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brown University

    Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States