Smartphone-paired Breathalyzers and Loss- and Gain-framed Texts for Reducing Drinking and Driving

The overall objective of this project is to leverage smartphone-paired breathalyzers to
implement cost-effective and scalable behavioral interventions to reduce risky drinking
behaviors such as drinking and driving. Prospect theory proposes that messages framed in
different ways can elicit different responses from individuals. Loss aversion refers to
people's tendency to prefer avoiding losses to acquiring equivalent gains: it's better to not
lose $5 than to find $5. People are more motivated to avoid losing something than they are to
win something. Studies have found that delivering messaging framed as a loss are also
effective in motivating certain behaviors. On the other hand, gain-framed messages have been
shown to have a positive effect on preventative healthcare. By using automated remote
monitoring, innovative loss aversion and gain-framed messaging strategies incorporating
insights from behavioral economics could be more easily implemented by delivering effective
messaging prior to a risky behavior taking place. The investigators hope that the use of loss
aversive and/or gain-framed messaging will lead to individuals improving planning behavior
around drinking, especially in regards to drinking and driving. The objective of this project
is to demonstrate the feasibility of a scalable intervention using loss- gain-framed
messaging to reduce drinking and driving, compare the effectiveness of each type of
messaging, and to increase the use of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) monitors as a way to plan
safer strategies when drinking. The investigators' long-term objective is to secure federal
funding for research that leverages insights from behavioral economics supported by
smartphone technology to reduce risky drinking.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Between the ages of 21-39

- Reports an average of one heavy drinking day (men more than five drinks, women more
than four drinks) per week over the preceding 8 weeks

- Has a valid photo identification (ID)

- Are willing and able to use an Uber or Lyft or septa as transportation home

- Drives four or more trips per week

- Owns an Apple iPhone or Android smartphone

Exclusion Criteria:

- Desire for alcohol treatment now or have received alcohol treatment within the past 6
months

- Alcohol use disorder rated as severe per DSM-V criteria

- Non-English-speaking

- Women who are pregnant

- Individuals who should not consume alcohol due to a medical condition such as liver
disease, cancer, and seizure disorders. Participants will be asked to answer yes if
they have any disorder that their doctor has suggested that they should not drink
alcohol. If they are unsure or say I don't know the investigators will ask them to
speak with their doctor prior to participation.