Supporting Adolescent Alcohol Treatment With Computer-Based ('Path180') Skills Training
Start Date
7/7/2026
Completion Date
7/31/2028
Summary
This 8-week clinical trial will test a computer-based skills training program called Path180 with 112 adolescents aged 13 to 19 who are receiving mental health counseling or outpatient substance use treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either standard treatment (treatment as usual) or standard treatment plus Path180. The study will use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to closely track how Path180 may influence the use of CBT skills and clinical outcomes in daily life. The goal is to help make evidence-based treatment more accessible for underserved youth in the early stages of alcohol use disorder.
Detailed Description
Adolescent alcohol use remains a major public health issue worldwide. Clinical trials of psychosocial interventions for young people have shown only modest short-term results. New digital tools, such as computer-based programs, may improve treatment. Path180 is a computer-based program designed to help reduce alcohol use among teenagers by offering engaging, evidence-based content. However, few studies have examined the effectiveness of digital interventions such as Path180 for young people. This gap raises important questions about whether computer-based programs can help adolescents. The goal of this study is to assess how well teenagers accept Path180 as a way to reduce alcohol use. The study will also examine whether using Path180 leads to lower alcohol use among teenagers already getting professional help for mental health or alcohol-related issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 13 years to 19 years
Interventions
Path180
Conditions
Locations
Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
Providence, Rhode Island 02912
United States