Researchers at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute are looking for participants for a new study on alcoholism and text messaging.

The study, called AAIMS (Adaptive Alcohol Intervention Messaging Systems), is designed to test the effectiveness of different types of text messages and assessments in helping people reduce their drinking. The study is for people who want to cut down on their drinking, but not entirely stop, and have text messaging capabilities on their phone.

There is emerging evidence to show that text messaging can help individuals reduce problem drinking. Currently little is known about the mechanisms of these interventions and why they may or may not work. This is first study to examine how different types of messages affect a person’s drinking.

As part of the study, the researchers are recruiting people from various online resources, including from alcoholscreening.org, which is the largest alcohol screening website in the country.

For more information on the study, contact the principle investigator, Fred Muench (fm2148@columbia.edu), or go to www.alcoholscreening.org and complete the screening to see if you meet initial eligibility requirements for the study.