Text-Based Messaging Strategies for Preventing Subsequent Problematic Alcohol Use

All Airmen will receive a standard BAI during the 4th week of Technical Training, the last week of enforced abstinence. The BAI is a group-based, one-hour session which includes the following components: Interactive discussion of the positives and negatives of drinking during training and heavy vs. moderate drinking; Discussion of USAF rules on alcohol use and penalties for violations; Discussion of impact of alcohol on military readiness; effects of alcohol and hangover on performance; Review of standard drinks, blood alcohol levels and tolerance; and normative feedback on the Airmen's drinking level compared to others. We will engage in a conversation about whether they have observed concerning patterns of alcohol misuse among other USAF personnel, and how to handle this, along with harm reduction and alcohol refusal strategies.

All messages are pre-written, and their timing is pre-planned - All Airmen will start receiving 3-5 text messages per week starting the Monday after they received the Brief Alcohol Intervention and lasting for six weeks. The intervention is also targeted to age, with some messaging differing for Airmen less than 21 years and those already 21 years old or who will turn 21 during the intervention period. All Airmen randomized to the text message arm will be enroll into the supplemental program, and may opt out at any time. Messages reinforce content of the BAI and provide additional, actionable advice on reducing or avoiding alcohol in more detail and specificity than time typically allows for during the BAI. Messages are sent on days and at times that were indicated as being preferred during formative development of the intervention. Messages are designed to maintain or enhance skill building. No drinking behavior is collected as part of the text messaging intervention