Georgia State study tests text‑based therapy to lower suicide risk in heavy drinkers

Suicide remains one of the United States’ leading causes of death, and the risk is markedly higher among individuals who frequently consume large amounts of alcohol. In an effort to curb this preventable loss of life, a research team at Georgia State University is examining whether a text‑based adaptation of a widely used talk‑therapy approach can lower suicidal ideation and behaviors among heavy drinkers who are intoxicated.

The investigators are developing a brief, automated messaging program that delivers core elements of the therapy—such as cognitive restructuring, problem‑solving skills, and emotion regulation techniques—directly to participants’ mobile phones. Participants will receive a series of scheduled texts over several weeks, with prompts tailored to moments of heightened risk, such as after a drinking episode. The study will enroll a diverse cohort of adults who report frequent heavy drinking and will track changes in suicidal thoughts, attempts, and alcohol consumption through validated self‑report measures and clinical interviews.

If the intervention proves effective, it could provide a scalable, low‑cost tool for early suicide prevention among a population that is often difficult to reach through traditional in‑person services. The Georgia State team plans to publish preliminary findings in the coming months and to explore broader implementation in collaboration with public health agencies and community‑based organizations.