Training to Reduce Alcohol Craving in Heavy Drinking Young Adults Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Strategies

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying heavy drinking young adults aged 18 to 26 to see how brief training in craving regulation affects alcohol consumption. This Stage 1B randomized controlled trial compares two active training methods based on cognitive-behavioral therapy CBT and mindfulness-based therapy MBT with a control group receiving no strategy. The study aims to understand if these approaches can reduce heavy drinking and related negative consequences. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups CBT-ROC-T training, MBT-ROC-T training, or a control group with no craving regulation strategy. Each participant will complete four 45-minute web-based sessions over three weeks. The study spans 16 weeks, including three weeks before intervention, three weeks during intervention, and ten weeks after intervention. Participants will undergo screening by phone and online, followed by in-person eligibility confirmation and baseline assessments. Throughout the study, they will complete training sessions, post-intervention assessments, and 1-2 follow-up assessments via phone or online. Researchers will measure changes in heavy drinking frequency, estimated blood alcohol concentration, alcohol-related negative consequences, and WHO drinking risk levels. Data will be collected using craving ratings and questionnaires during exposure to alcohol-related stimuli.

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