Actively Recruiting
A Theory-Informed Examination of a Brief Visuospatial Intervention and Its Mechanisms for Reducing Alcohol Cravings and Consumption
Led by University of Wyoming · Updated on 2025-12-29
62
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying whether dynamic visual noise (DVN), a brief video of rapidly moving black and white squares, can reduce alcohol cravings and consumption in college students who drink and experience cravings at least once a week. The study also explores whether changes in attentional bias toward alcohol help explain how DVN affects cravings and drinking. This is an interventional trial comparing DVN to static visual noise (SVN), a still image of black and white squares used as a control. Participants will be randomly assigned to watch either the DVN or SVN daily for seven days, including during a laboratory visit. The DVN consists of a 30-second video of flickering black and white pixel squares that can be restarted as desired. The SVN is a similar static image shown for at least 30 seconds with the option to continue viewing. This design allows comparison of the two visual noise types and their effects on alcohol cravings and consumption. Participants will visit the lab once for baseline data collection, then watch the assigned visual noise daily for seven days. Daily follow-ups will occur for six days after the lab visit, with a final follow-up after one week. Researchers will measure craving strength, craving frequency, alcohol consumption, and attentional bias toward alcohol at baseline and one week later. Immediate changes in craving strength before and after watching the visual noise will also be assessed. The total study duration for participants is about one week.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Examining the Effectiveness of Dynamic Visual Noise (DVN) for Reducing Alcohol Cravings and Consumption in College Students
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 29 years
- Drink alcohol at least once per week on average over the past month
- Have consumed beer or alcoholic seltzers in the past month
- Experience alcohol cravings at least once per week on average
- Not currently receiving or planning to seek other treatment for alcohol use within the next 30 days
- Own a personal electronic device with Internet access
- Own or have access to a computer with Internet access
You will not qualify if you...
- Major visual impairment such as legal blindness or color blindness
- History of seizures or diagnosed seizure disorder
- Current medical diagnosis involving cognitive impairment from a qualified professional
- Recent concussion within the past month
- Current diagnosis of any substance use disorder other than alcohol use disorder
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete a brief visuospatial intervention by viewing Dynamic Visual Noise or Static Visual Noise arrays to examine effects on alcohol cravings and consumption.
1 baseline visit and 1 follow-up visit within 1 week
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming, United States, 82072
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Emma Winterlind, MPS
A
Alison Looby, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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