Cell Phone Technology Targeting ART and Naltrexone Adherence and Alcohol Use

The proposed study, for HIV positive alcohol dependent adults currently taking naltrexone, is a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the outcomes of a 12-week behavioral support program delivered via text-messaging. It is expected that the text messaging intervention will reduce alcohol use and HIV-risk behaviors. The investigators also hypothesize that the intervention will improve adherence to HIV treatment and naltrexone. To test the effects of the intervention on these target outcomes, 25 participants receiving the text messaging intervention will be compared to 25 participants receiving an informational pamphlet. The pamphlet will contain information about the importance of HIV treatment adherence, reducing HIV risk behaviors, and health consequences associated with alcohol use. By providing support to maximize HIV treatment regimen and naltrexone adherence, coupled with coping skills to promote abstinence from alcohol, the text messaging intervention may provide a promising, cost-effective, and easily deployable behavioral support program for alcohol users who are HIV-infected.