A group of scientists is exploring an innovative solution that uses personalized music and wearable technology to interrupt stress before it causes relapse in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Researchers at Washington State University, Arizona State University and the University of Southern California are testing “a new intervention” as part of a study involving music therapy to help manage stress, a major trigger for relapse. , according to WSU Insider.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health's Sound Health initiative, the study is harnessing wristbands with the ability to detect physiological signs of stress, such as heart rate and sweat production, to automatically play personalized music playlists designed to reduce the tension. The research builds on previous findings that suggest these wearable devices can accurately predict stressful triggers.
“We want to take the next step and use those physiological signals to intervene and hopefully prevent someone from seeking out alcohol to cope with stress,” said Michael Cleveland, a professor in WSU's Department of Human Development.
In the first phase, volunteers will wear the bracelets for two weeks and manually record moments of stress, which will help confirm the accuracy of the device. The second phase introduces the musical element by requiring each participant to select a playlist that best resonates with them emotionally. When the bracelets detect increasing levels of stress, these playlists will activate to help relieve tension and prevent cravings.
Cleveland emphasizes that this intervention is not intended to replace traditional therapies, but rather to complement them to provide an accessible, low-cost tool for managing stress. If successful, the research could unlock a powerful new way for people to manage AUD, providing relief through the universal language of music.
“Music has been shown to have a helpful stress-reducing effect,” Cleveland said. “Research shows that stress relief increases when people choose music for themselves. You might think that instrumental or classical music works best, but people generally know what will work for them.”
The NIH is reportedly providing $1 million to cover the first phase of the study over a two-year period. Pending positive results, a subsequent phase will trigger another three years and a $1.6 million financing round.
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