Evaluating Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Versus 12-Step Referral to Reduce Substance Use and Burnout in Peer Support Workers

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention MBRP for substance use peer workers, comparing it to a standard referral to 12-step programs. The study focuses on reducing substance use, relapse risk, and burnout among peer workers. It also seeks to identify causes and risk factors for relapse, understand peer preferences for the intervention, adapt MBRP for this group, and assess its preliminary effectiveness and implementation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the adapted MBRP intervention, which involves eight weekly 2-hour virtual sessions, or the standard care referral to 12-step programming. The trial is a pilot hybrid type 1 design and runs from August 2026 through July 2030. The goal is to compare these approaches in supporting peer workers at risk of substance use relapse. During the study, participants will complete four surveys assessing well-being outcomes and participate in one virtual interview about their experience. Researchers will measure changes in biologically verified and self-reported substance use, relapse warning signs, professional quality of life, and intervention feasibility and acceptability over six months. Secondary measures include coping, emotion regulation, perceived stress, mindfulness, and acceptance. The study tracks participants from enrollment through six months to understand the interventions impact and implementation.

Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention for Peer Workers