NCT07042451 · Loyola Marymount University
An Evaluation of the Pink Cloud Application in Post- Treatment Substance Use Disorder Support
What this study is about
This randomly assigned controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of Pink Cloud, a mobile health application designed to support recovery from substance and alcohol use disorders (SUD/AUD). The app provides access to over 245,000 in-person and virtual 12-Step meetings, along with features such as a sobriety counter, daily planner, and personal inventory tools.
View original scientific description
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Pink Cloud, a mobile health application designed to support recovery from substance and alcohol use disorders (SUD/AUD). The app provides access to over 245,000 in-person and virtual 12-Step meetings, along with features such as a sobriety counter, daily planner, and personal inventory tools. In this study, 1,410 participants in various stages of recovery will be randomly assigned to receive either access to the Pink Cloud app or to a control condition. Participants will complete follow-up assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months. Primary outcomes include number of days sober and frequency of drug and alcohol problems. Secondary outcomes include meeting attendance, proportion of sober individuals in one's social network, and engagement in recovery-related activities. The investigators hypothesize that participants in the Pink Cloud group will report more days sober and fewer substance use problems than those in the control group, and that they will also report attending more meetings, having a greater proportion of sober peers, and engaging more frequently in recovery activities.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Pink Cloud
Participants randomized to the Pink Cloud condition will receive a subscription code to access the Pink Cloud mobile application for approximately 365 days. The app includes features such as a searchable database of over 245,000 12-Step meetings (in-person and virtual), a sobriety counter, customizable daily planners, personal inventory tools, and a resentment journal. Participants are encouraged to use the app as they see fit throughout the study period. No prompts or required usage schedules will be imposed; instead, engagement will be self-directed to reflect real-world usage patterns.
BEHAVIORAL
Active Control
Participants randomized to the control condition will receive a code to access recovery-related resources hosted on a private study website. These materials include links to mutual-help groups, crisis support services, and educational content and treatment options. Participants may access the website at their discretion and engage with the resources as often and in whatever ways they choose. No prompts or required usage schedules will be imposed.
Primary outcome measures
Change in sobriety status between baseline and 1 month
Time frame: baseline, 1 month
Self-reported number of days participant reports not using alcohol or drugs in the past 30 days.
Change in sobriety status between baseline and 3 months
Time frame: baseline, 3 months
Self-reported number of days participant reports not using alcohol or drugs in the past 90 days.
Change in sobriety status between baseline and 6 months
Time frame: baseline, 6 months
Self-reported number of days participant reports not using alcohol or drugs in the past 180 days.
Change in alcohol and drug problems between baseline and 1 month
Time frame: baseline, 1 month
Self-reported frequency of alcohol and drugs problems in the past 30 days.
Change in alcohol and drug problems between baseline and 3 months
Time frame: baseline, 3 months
Self-reported frequency of alcohol and drugs problems in the past 90 days.
Change in alcohol and drug problems between baseline and 6 months
Time frame: baseline, 6 months
Self-reported frequency of alcohol and drugs problems in the past 180 days.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant is 18 years of age or older
- Participant is willing to attend a 12-Step or peer-to-peer recovery meeting (in person or virtual) within the next week
- Participant owns a personal smartphone with cellular service
- Participant is a permanent resident of the United States
- Participant feels comfortable reading and understanding written English in everyday situations
- Participant has consumed alcohol and/or used drugs (excluding tobacco or prescribed medication) at some point in their life, but not within the past couple of days
- Participant is not currently attending outpatient or residential treatment for substance and/or alcohol use
- Participant does not have a plan to enter substance and/or alcohol treatment in the next 30 days
- Participant has been invited by the research team to either the intervention or control condition and redeemed their subscription code.
- Informed consent is provided
Exclusion criteria
- Participant is younger than 18 years of age
- Participant is unwilling to attend a 12-Step or peer-to-peer recovery meeting (in person or virtual) within the next week
- Participant does not own a personal smartphone with cellular service
- Participant is not a permanent resident of the United States
- Participant does not feel comfortable reading and understanding written English in everyday situations
- Participant has consumed alcohol or used drugs (excluding tobacco or prescribed medication) within the past couple of days
- Participant has never consumed alcohol or used drugs
- Participant is currently attending outpatient or residential treatment for substance and/or alcohol use
- Participant has a plan to enter substance and/or alcohol treatment in the next 30 days
- Participant was not invited by the research team or did not redeem their assigned subscription code
- Informed consent is not provided
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 11, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations