Telehealth-Delivered Mindfulness-Based Intervention: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial for Individuals With...

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects a significant portion of the global population, with higher prevalence in the United States.
• While effective treatments exist, many individuals prefer non-abstinence-based approaches, such as those supporting drinking reduction.
• Mindfulness-based interventions show potential for supporting diverse recovery goals, including abstinence and non-abstinence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel, rolling group-based Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) program delivered via videoconferencing.
• To assess MBRP's effectiveness in promoting drinking reduction and whole-person functioning in individuals with AUD.
• To identify implementation barriers and facilitators for MBRP as a continuing care option.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design was employed.
• 470 individuals with AUD were recruited nationwide and randomized to either MBRP via Zoom or referral to online mutual support groups (e.g., AA).
• Participants completed 3-year follow-ups with blood samples (phosphatidylethanol) and self-report measures of psychosocial functioning and substance use.

Main Results:

• Recruitment occurred between September 2023 and March 2025.
• Ongoing data collection shows 86% retention at 6-month follow-ups.
• Effectiveness and mechanisms of MBRP compared to mutual support groups are currently being evaluated.

Conclusions:

• This study assesses the effectiveness and mechanisms of videoconference-delivered MBRP for AUD recovery.
• It examines MBRP's potential as an accessible, freely available continuing care option for long-term AUD recovery.
• The research investigates the reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of MBRP.