Research Center: Kaiser Permanente – Center for Integrated Health Care Research
Location: This is a virtual study in Hawai’i
Lead Researcher: PI Kristina Phillips
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Kaiser Permanente Southern California-Hawaii IRB Protocol: 13273

Some people smoke, some people drink, some do both and don’t think twice about it. It’s just part of the routine, not necessarily a problem, but not something most people stop to examine either. But what if paying attention to it for a little while could actually make life easier?

A confidential study in Hawai‘i is using a simple phone app to help you increase awareness about your alcohol and cannabis use and learn strategies to reduce future problems. No lectures, no guilt trips; just honest feedback and helpful tips. You share what your real life looks like, and researchers use it to build support that actually fits people like you. You give insight, they give up to $300. Fair trade.

Interested? Join this study.

• You’ll get access to a phone-based tool built to help people use safer, or cut down on their use (if that’s their goal).
• You can earn up to $300 just for sharing what real life looks like.
• You might become more aware of your own patterns without anyone telling you what to do.
• Your experience could help build better support for other people who drink and smoke, just like you.
• No judgment. No pressure. Just real data that could change your habits.

• You will receive a detailed outline of all details of the study, including treatment, risks, and procedures, and you will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.

Who Can Participate:

• Lives in Hawai‘i
• Is between 18 and 30 years old
• Can read and write in English
• Has used cannabis at least 2–3 times in the past month
• Has engaged in heavy drinking at least 2–3 times in the past month
• Has used cannabis and alcohol together (within about 3 hours) at least 2–3 times in the past month
• Owns a smartphone
• Has experienced any kind of issue (even small ones) related to cannabis or alcohol in the past 3 months
• Feels at least somewhat open to trying tips or strategies that might reduce harm

Who Cannot Participate:

• Has been in formal substance use treatment in the past 3 months (This does not include AA or other 12-step meetings; those are okay.)

The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details include:

• Participants will be asked to attend an initial meeting with research staff to review study procedures, download the mEMA app, learn how to complete daily mini-surveys, and complete the first extended online survey.
• Participants will be asked to complete daily mini-surveys for five weeks, with some participants also receiving intervention tips depending on group assignment.
• Participants will be asked to complete three follow-up extended online surveys at one week, one month, and three months after the daily mini survey period ends.

Kaiser Permanente – Center for Integrated Health Care Research
CIHR, or the Center for Integrated Health Care Research, was established in 1999. Their research program is composed of 50 active projects and 65 clinical trials, with projects led by our collaborators accounting for one-third of our portfolio. CIHR is specially attuned to the health issues of the local population, which suffers disproportionately from several chronic diseases, primarily diabetes and heart disease. Their investigators conduct research on a broad range of topics, including cancer, chronic disease (e.g., diabetes), mental health, substance abuse/addiction, and patient safety.