Actively Recruiting
Web-based Alcohol- or Cocaine-specific Inhibition Training in Adolescents and Young Adults With Substance Use Disorder
Led by University of Bern · Updated on 2026-02-18
210
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
53 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Substance misuse is one of the most common risk factors for health problems and premature death among adolescents and young adults worldwide. Although there are effective treatments for substance use disorder (SUD), there is still a need to further improve their effectiveness and make them easier to access. Early research suggests that substance-specific inhibition training, when used in addition to specialized treatment, can improve treatment outcomes. This training aims to strengthen inhibition specifically in situations with substance-related cues. The goal of this project is to offer this training for the first time in the form of a smartphone app, which is expected to increase the availability of the training. The main aim of the study is to evaluate whether this new app-based cognitive training is feasible as an add-on to the treatment of SUD in adolescents and young adults. In addition, the study will gather preliminary insights into whether the training affects drinking behavior and related brain processes. The project will be conducted as a double-blind, clinical pilot study. A total of 210 adolescents and young adults between 14 and 35 years old will be recruited from five specialized treatment centers. After the first study visit, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) an intervention group receiving the alcohol-specific inhibition training or (2) a control group receiving a similar alcohol-nonspecific inhibition training. During their participation, all participants will complete six short training sessions with the app. About one month later, they will complete six additional booster training sessions. This research may help develop effective, easily accessible tools to support young people with substance use disorder.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Web-based Alcohol- or Cocaine-specific Inhibition Training in Adolescents and Young Adults With Substance Use Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 14 to 35 years
- Alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) score of 7 or higher or Drug Use Identification Test (DUDIT) score of 8 or higher
- Currently receiving outpatient treatment or online counseling at one of seven specialized centers
- Sufficient German language skills
- Signed informed consent
- Owner of a smartphone with internet access
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe substance use other than nicotine or cannabis, with a DUDIT score of 25 or higher
- Medical conditions that prevent participation
- Inability to read and understand study information
- Investigator or related individuals enrolled
- For EEG substudy: current medication affecting EEG, history of epilepsy, or cochlear implant
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Maria Stein, PD Dr.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here