Table 1.

Examples of Text Messages from the Text Message Alcohol Intervention

Message Category and Participant Responses	Example Messages
FIRST STATUS	Do you think it will be hard to remain sober? Reply with: HARD, SO, EASY
HARD	We know it’s hard. It’s a decision you will not regret. Keep getting the support you need. Remind yourself of your sober reasons.
SO	Do one day at a time and practice avoiding your triggers. You can do it!
EASY	You are on the right track. Quitting drinking is hard but stay confident. You can do this!
CRAVING IDENTIFICATION	Triggers are anything that was associated with drinking. People you drank with, places you drank in, etc. Write down what used to be associated with drinking.
	Triggers are individualized. Is there a particular drink you always had? Emotions you felt when/before you drank? Think about your drinking situations.
	By identifying triggers, you can better avoid them. Triggers can be anything that was associated with drinking – places, people, emotions, things.
	When you drank, you connected drinking with people, places, and things. These can become triggers for cravings. What are your people, places and things?
MOOD 1	Feeling down/angry? Negative emotions can trigger cravings. Do a pleasant activity to increase mood. Reply with your mood: GOOD, OK, BAD
GOOD	Glad you are feeling good! Keep up your positive attitude and staying strong.
OK	Hang in there! It isnt easy to stay sober but it is worth it.
BAD	We know staying sober is hard but stay strong! We all have bad days. You will get through this. Do something to boost your mood – just don’t drink.

Note. Bolded/italicized text represents message category and are not seen by participants. Responses (e.g., HARD, OK, BAD) are responses to the first prompt of the category. Messages in the same row as the responses are messages sent in reply to participants’ answers.