EARS: Effortless Assessment Research System

A longitudinal observational study determining early indicators of lapse, relapse and sustained abstinence in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Overview

EARS is an observational study investigating relationships between information passively collected via a mobile phone app and changes in alcohol use over a 3-month period following a supervised alcohol withdrawal program.

This research study aims to identify early behavioural markers of relapse in AUD, to help inform what treatment and support options could be offered to improve outcomes following a withdrawal treatment program. Our study will investigate how behavioural information derived from mobile phones (e.g., time spent on the phone, activity levels, music listened, etc) relates to subsequent drinking behaviour.

To supplement this passively collected data, participants will also be asked to answer two questions each day, a short survey once per week. Participants will also complete a longer online questionnaire at the beginning of the study, then 1 month and 3 months later.

Expressions of interest

To be eligible for this study, participants must have (within the last 10 days) completed a supervised alcohol withdrawal program that lasted at least 5 days. 

Please note, you’re welcome to contact the study team prior to your withdrawal program starting. If you’re interested in participating, we’ll reach out to you towards the end of your detox.

If you would like more information, please contact the team at [email protected].

Project team

Turning Point team

Prof Dan Lubman AM, A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri, Dr Sarah Catchlove

Project partners

Our sponsor

This trial is sponsored by Turning Point and Eastern Health.