Evaluating Peer Recovery Coaching for Adults Hospitalized with Alcohol Use Disorder to Support Long-Term Recovery and Reduce Heavy Drinking

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a peer recovery coaching intervention called RC-Link for patients hospitalized due to medical complications from Alcohol Use Disorder AUD. This study aims to improve recovery outcomes by reducing heavy drinking, enhancing biopsychosocial functioning, and achieving remission from AUD, guided by the new NIAAA definition of recovery. The study will also explore mechanisms behind heavy drinking using daily ecological momentary assessment EMA and assess the cost-effectiveness of the RC-Link program through a randomized controlled trial design. The trial compares two groups one receiving bedside peer recovery coaching initiated during hospitalization plus six months of ongoing support, and a control group receiving a brief intervention, usual care with a referral list, and follow-up contact after the study period. The RC-Link program involves personalized recovery planning with a peer coach and regular contact at least twice a week via phone, virtual, or in-person meetings, using a standardized coaching checklist to provide socioemotional, instrumental, and informational support. Participants will be assessed at baseline, monthly during the six-month intervention, and six months after intervention completion. Evaluations include heavy drinking frequency, remission status based on DSM-5 criteria, biopsychosocial functioning, cost-effectiveness, coping, treatment and social support engagement, hospital utilization, breath alcohol content levels, and craving changes. This comprehensive monitoring aims to understand how peer recovery coaching affects long-term recovery outcomes for hospitalized AUD patients.

A Peer Recovery Coaching Intervention for Hospitalized Alcohol Use Disorder Patients