Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) awarded Brown University a $283,325 Project Grant on June 16, 2026, under the Alcohol Research Programs (CFDA 93.273) to develop and pilot test an evidence-based couples intervention for reducing unhealthy alcohol use among sexual and gender minority populations. The project, titled "Reducing Alcohol Consumption for Health Together: Pilot Testing a Brief Couples Intervention via Telehealth," adapts an existing three-session videoconference-based couples intervention (REACH2GETHER) initially developed for cisgender male couples with HIV to be inclusive of diverse sexual and gender identities. The deliverables include: (1) adaptation of the intervention curriculum guided by a Community Advisory Board representing diverse sexual and gender identities, incorporating evidence-based interdependence and social safety theories; (2) a one-arm pilot trial evaluating feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy; and (3) treatment development outputs suitable for broader dissemination to sexual and gender minority couples experiencing unhealthy alcohol use.

The project addresses a critical health equity gap, as sexual and gender minority persons experience substantial disparities in alcohol use disorder partly attributable to systemic oppression and lack of social safety. While couples-based alcohol interventions have demonstrated efficacy in heterosexual populations, most existing interventions for sexual and gender minorities remain individually focused. This research contributes to the NIAAA's mission to develop improved treatment methods and prevention strategies for alcohol-related problems across diverse populations. The project period extends through May 31, 2029, and will be performed at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.