Remote Alcohol Use And Anxiety Research Study
Researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School are conducting a study in adults to better understand the connection between alcohol use and anxiety or stress and to explore counseling strategies to support healthier drinking habits.
Fast Facts
Drinking regularly and experiencing anxiety or stress
Interested in counseling for drinking habits or anxiety/stress
Compensation up to $60 along with no-cost counseling sessions
Conducted remotely
Study Background
Researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School are studying adults to understand alcohol use and anxiety and how counseling can help.
Alcohol use and anxiety are often closely linked, and drinking to cope with stress or anxiety can impact daily life and overall well-being. This study aims to better understand these patterns and test counseling strategies to help adults manage anxiety and develop healthier drinking habits. Participants will complete brief smartphone surveys, two structured assessments, and receive no-cost counseling sessions focused on building skills to reduce harmful drinking and improve coping.
The findings from this research may help improve counseling approaches and support better mental health, healthier drinking behaviors, and an improved quality of life for adults experiencing anxiety and regular alcohol use.
Study Background
Researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School are studying adults to understand alcohol use and anxiety and how counseling can help.
Alcohol use and anxiety are often closely linked, and drinking to cope with stress or anxiety can impact daily life and overall well-being. This study aims to better understand these patterns and test counseling strategies to help adults manage anxiety and develop healthier drinking habits. Participants will complete brief smartphone surveys, two structured assessments, and receive no-cost counseling sessions focused on building skills to reduce harmful drinking and improve coping.
The findings from this research may help improve counseling approaches and support better mental health, healthier drinking behaviors, and an improved quality of life for adults experiencing anxiety and regular alcohol use.
Testimonials
"I think I got much more than two Amazon gift cards out of this study, to tell you the truth."
"I think at the end of the day, it's all worth it."
"Stop thinking and just do the counseling."
"Give it a shot, you've got nothing to lose."
"The surveys paired with counseling were a really useful tool."
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand the connection between anxiety, stress, and drinking. We use a smartphone app to measure patterns of anxiety, stress, and drinking as you go about your daily life. We hope our results will improve counseling strategies for anxiety and drinking and will help you make a change in stress and drinking.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18+
- Drinking regularly and experiencing anxiety or stress
- Interested in counseling for drinking habits or anxiety/stress
- Live in New Jersey or New York
- Own a smartphone
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently receiving 1:1 counseling
- Unable to participate in telehealth/Zoom sessions
The entire study lasts approximately 8–10 weeks. Once enrolled, the study involves:
Remote participation:
- Complete daily smartphone surveys 3 times per day to track alcohol use, anxiety, and stress. Each survey takes just a few minutes.
- Surveys help researchers understand drinking patterns, coping strategies, and stress responses.
Counseling sessions:
- Participate in 2 structured assessments with a study counselor (approximately 2 hours each, with compensation provided).
- Receive 11 no-cost counseling sessions via Zoom/telehealth (or in-person in New Brunswick, NJ) focused on building healthier habits around drinking and managing anxiety or stress.
As a participant, you may receive up to $60 in compensation and no-cost counseling sessions.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.