Internet-based A-CRA for Young Adults With Problematic Alcohol Use

The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an internet-delivered Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (I-A-CRA) with therapist support for young adults (aged 18-24 years) with problematic alcohol use and their caregiver/significant other. Secondary aims include investigating the role of comorbid emotional symptoms, emotion regulation and prosocial behavior in treatment outcomes for the young adults. In a randomized controlled pilot trial, participants (n = 60 young adults as well as an optional accompanying caregiver/significant other) will be recruited from the community through advertisements as well as through clinic referrals in Stockholm, Sweden. Eligible participants will be randomized either to the 10-week I-A-CRA treatment or to an active control group (receiving psychoeducation about alcohol use over the same time frame). In both conditions an optionally accompanying caregiver/significant other will receive a support program in conjunction with the young adult's treatment. Participating young adults will be evaluated with regards to their alcohol use, psychiatric symptoms, emotion regulation, and prosocial behavior at pre-treatment, weekly during treatment, post-treatment, and at a 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be feasibility (measured as number of treatment completers; i.e., having completed 5 out of 8 treatment modules), and acceptability (measured by patient satisfaction). Secondary outcomes will include pre- and post-treatment self-rated binge drinking episodes, levels of depression, anxiety and stress, emotion dysregulation, and prosocial behavior. Self-reports regarding stress, emotion dysregulation, and prosocial behavior will be complemented by behavioral measures (computerized tasks).