A Feasibility and Acceptability Study of a Large Language Model-based Chatbot for Brief Alcohol Intervention Among Emerging Adults

American emerging adults (EAs; aged 18-29 years) have the highest rates of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and the lowest levels of treatment engagement of any age group. Innovative, scalable, and cost-effective strategies are needed to expand early detection and intervention for EAs engaged in patterns of drinking associated with AUD. Because digital technology use is frequent among EAs, digital interventions may be a particularly suitable way to reach this population. Prior studies of digital alcohol interventions demonstrate modest but consistent reductions in alcohol use, but these tools are often limited by a lack of interactivity and personalization. Large language model (LLM)-based chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may address these limitations by enabling personalized, adaptive, and human-like engagement. These features have the potential to increase uptake and engagement with screening and brief interventions among EAs. This study will develop, validate, and conduct an open trial of an LLM-based chatbot-delivered brief intervention designed to reduce alcohol use and problems among EAs, with the primary goal of establishing preliminary feasibility and acceptability.

NCT Number	NCT07214831
Lead Sponsor	Massachusetts General Hospital Collaborators: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Conditions	Alcohol Use Disorder
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2027-06-01
Primary Completion	2027-12-31 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-08-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-10-22