Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for HIV+ Hazardous Drinkers: A Randomized Clinical Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates the impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) compared to a Brief Alcohol Intervention (BI) on reducing unhealthy alcohol use and related mental health symptoms in adults living with HIV who drink at risky levels. Unhealthy alcohol consumption significantly affects HIV treatment outcomes, and previous trials have had limited success, possibly due to co-occurring mental health issues. The study aims to evaluate if ACT, a therapy targeting experiential avoidance, can improve alcohol use and psychological outcomes in this population. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either six weekly 30-45 minute telephone sessions of ACT, which uses mindfulness and values-guided behavior to reduce avoidance and improve acceptance, or a BI consisting of two 30-60 minute telephone sessions, two 5-10 minute booster calls, and two 5-minute reminder calls. The interventions are delivered remotely, and the study monitors effects over time with assessments at baseline, post-treatment (7 weeks), and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-randomization. During the study, participants complete self-reports and biomarker tests measuring alcohol use frequency, quantity, and phosphatidylethanol levels. Psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, stress, and experiential avoidance are also evaluated at multiple time points. The study involves 300 adults with HIV drinking at unhealthy levels, focusing on if ACT reduces alcohol use and mental health symptoms better than BI. The total participation includes treatment and follow-up assessments lasting up to a year.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for HIV+ Hazardous Drinkers