ASPIRE to Change: Leveraging Text Messaging Peer Support Coaching to Mitigate Hazardous Alcohol Consumption in Non-Collegiate Young Adults

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT Hazardous alcohol consumption remains a significant public health issue among U.S. young adults aged 18 to 25. While interventions exist for college students, non-collegiate young adults, who constitute 38% of this demographic, are underserved. Text messaging, with its extensive reach and asynchronous communication,

emerges as a promising intervention medium. While existing text-based interventions have shown efficacy, there's potential for enhancement by addressing influential environmental factors. Our solution, ASPIRE (Accountability Support through Peer-Inspired Relationships and Engagement), guided by the Social Cognitive

Theory, integrates environmental factors alongside traditional cognitive and behavioral elements. A pilot trial with non-collegiate participants from 31 US states revealed promising results: a significant reduction in binge drinking days and related consequences after three months of exposure to ASPIRE. Our next step involves a comparative

study of ASPIRE against a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI). In a proposed assessor-blind, randomized trial, participants will be allocated to either CBI or ASPIRE for three months. Bi-weekly text assessments will measure drinking patterns and peer interactions. While both groups will receive regular feedback, the ASPIRE

group will gain additional support targeting positive peer influences and strategies to modify their physical environment. Outcomes, measured using online surveys at multiple intervals, will gauge alcohol consumption and its associated negative consequences. Additionally, GPS data will be collected periodically to analyze

patterns, such as time spent at drinking locations. Three primary objectives guide this research: 1. Assessing ASPIRE's effectiveness in reducing hazardous alcohol consumption compared to CBI. 2.Deciphering the mechanisms underpinning behavior change, focusing on the role of peer influence and physical environment. 3.

Identifying which subgroups benefit most from ASPIRE to enable more tailored interventions in the future. This research aligns with NIH's priorities, especially NIAAA's strategic plans, emphasizing a broader scope of research and evaluating innovative behavioral interventions for non-collegiate young adults.