A Reinforced Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Reduce Problematic Drinking Among Hispanic Emerging Adults

The primary objective of this Randomized Control Trial (RCT) will be to maximize the ecological validity of a cultural, and developmental adaptation of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program for Hispanic (self-identified) emerging adult (EA) participants (ages 18-25 years old).

The study team will recruit individuals (n=120, 60 Intervention, 60 Control ) from the target population, Hispanic EA (18-25) all of whom will meet the following eligibility criteria: self-identified Hispanic, 18-25 years old, engaged in 2 or more occasions of heavy episodic drinking occasions (HED) (4/5 drinks in one sitting for females/males) during the previous 30-days, and are actively enrolled at FIU as a student.

The intervention will consist of eight weekly 1.5-hour group sessions led by a trained facilitator at FIU's MMC campus and participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 allocation) to either the active Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction intervention group (n=60) or to an assessment-only control group (n=60).

Procedures for data collection, compensation, and biomarkers will be as follows: Participants who enroll in the full RCT will be compensated with gift cards for their time and effort in completing data collection activities at designated timepoints -. baseline, 1-month post-baseline, post-intervention (approximately 2 months post-baseline), and 1-month follow-up (approximately 3 months post-baseline).

Biomarker collection will include a fingerprick blood sample to test for the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol (PEth), as well as assessments of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) as physiological indicators of stress.

To enhance engagement and reinforce attendance, an evidence-based fixed escalating Contingency Management schedule will be implemented at the conclusion of each mindfulness session. The sessions will be recorded, transcribed, and coded for appropriate developmental and cultural content by the research team. The risks associated with participation are minimal, but can include discomfort from assessments, biomarker collections, and potential breach of confidentially but these are minimal and typical routine procedures. Anticipated benefits include participant enjoyment of the sessions, engagement in self-study, learning mindfulness techniques for managing stress, and potential positive outcomes from the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• self-identified Hispanic,
• 18-25 years old,
• engaged in 2 or more occasions of heavy episodic drinking occasions (HED) (4/5 drinks in one sitting for females/males) during the previous 30-days
• actively enrolled FIU student. Exclusion Criteria

Participants will be flagged for exclusion criteria if they report any of the following:

• Five or more binge drinking episodes (5+ drinks in one sitting) in the past 30 days, which averages more than once per week.
• Weekly or more frequent use of other substances, including non-prescribed prescription drugs, illegal drugs, inhalants, or synthetic drugs.