Alcohol Monitor Validation

The overarching goal of this research program is to improve alcohol intervention and eventually related clinical outcomes (e.g., liver function) among HIV+ drinkers through biosensor-assisted intervention. Research shows HIV infection can influence alcohol metabolism (i.e., higher blood alcohol levels), so it's necessary to validate the new alcohol biosensor in HIV+ drinkers rather than in general population. The primary goal of this project, as a step toward the development and evaluation of a biosensor-assisted alcohol intervention, is to validate the newly available wrist worn transdermal alcohol biosensor (BACtrack Skyn). The two specific aims are: (1) To assess validity and reliability of the Skyn biosensor using fixed-dose lab administration of alcohol through comparison with laboratory grade breathalyzer, and (2) To validate Skyn biosensor in daily life using a 2-week ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to compare self-reported drinking and the Skyn derived transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) readings.

Inclusion criteria

• HIV+ consumers of alcohol; self-reported ≥ 5 days with at least 1 alcoholic drink, and ≥1days with at least 3 drinks
• HIV- consumers of alcohol; self-reported ≥ 5 days with at least 1 alcoholic drink, and ≥1days with at least 3 drinks

Exclusion criteria

• non-drinkers
• recent addiction treatment or treatment seeking
• urine positive for illegal drugs except THC (not applicable to those who are only invited to do field test);
• past & current alcohol withdrawal
• severe alcohol use disorder (DSM-5)
• meeting criteria for current nicotine dependence (not applicable to field only participants) or current substance use disorder (excluding mild cannabis use disorder and mild/moderate alcohol use disorder)
• medical conditions (other than HIV) contraindicating alcohol
• pregnancy/breastfeeding in women
• psychosis or other severe psychiatric conditions.