Intensive Virtual Treatment With Remote Abstinence Monitoring for Alcohol Use Disorder

This single-arm pilot study will recruit participants with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder for a 4-week virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP). The program aims to replicate the structure and abstinence monitoring of a residential treatment program although the program is delivered entirely virtually.

Inclusion Criteria:≥ 18 years of ageAble to communicate and provide informed consent in EnglishDiagnosis of moderate to severe AUD, based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Research Version (SCID-5-RV)Heavy alcohol consumption, defined as ≥ 10 drinks per week for females and ≥ 15 drinks for males and at least one binge drinking days per week (≥ 4 drinks for females or ≥ 5 drinks for males in a single day) on average during the 30 days prior to the eligibility assessment.Motivated to abstain from alcohol for the month-long treatment period (longer-term harm reduction goals are permitted)Access to a private location from which to participate in the program for the duration of the study.Able and motivated to complete all aspects of the program, including attending all virtual intensive outpatient program sessions (this includes being available for group and individual sessions throughout the day on weekdays) and completing multiple daily breathalyzer readings throughout the entire program. Individuals planning to be out of the province during the virtual intensive outpatient program will not be permitted to enroll.Enrolled in the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)Exclusion Criteria:Severe medical or psychiatric comorbidity that would prevent safe participation in the studyActive and severe suicidal ideation at time of eligibility assessment or suicide attempt within the past month.Diagnosis of opioid use disorder or sedative use disorder within the past year based on the SCID-5 (other concurrent substance use disorders such as cannabis use disorder will not be exclusionary)History of alcohol withdrawal deliriumCurrently pregnant, breastfeeding, or intending to become pregnant or breastfeed during the study.Enrollment in another study that conflicts with the procedures or scientific integrity of this study