Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of Brief Mindfulness Training With Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Reducing Alcohol Consumption Among Young Adults
Cambridge Health Alliance
Summary
In the present study, we will assess the acceptability and feasibility of a brief intervention designed to help young heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol consumption. All participants will complete a brief (1-week) mindfulness intervention, and participants will be randomized to receive either active or inactive Respiratory-gated Auricular Vagal Afferent Nerve Stimulation (RAVANS) during two in-person laboratory visits. Heart rate variability data and self-report durvey data will be collected to assess the impact of the intervention on autonomic regulation, alcohol consumption, and additional clinical measures.
Description
After consenting to participate in the study, participants will complete a baseline survey battery online via REDCap while with the RC/RA in the consent/screening call. During this call, the RC/RA will also schedule the participant's two in-person lab visits. The first lab visit will be scheduled for approximately one week from the consent call, but no more than two weeks from the consent call and baseline survey battery. The second lab visit will take place 1 week after the first lab visit +/- 3 business days if the participant or study team need to reschedule for any reason. Participants wil…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–29 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently living in Massachusetts. * Aged 21-29 years old. * Consume either more than 14 standard drinks of alcohol per week OR at least 5 standard drinks in one day per week (in past 30 days). * Have sufficient English fluency to understand procedures and questionnaires. * Have the capacity and ability to provide informed consent. * Scores at least 15 points on the PACS at screening. Participants who score between 10 and 14 pts will undergo additional doctoral-level review to assess eligibility. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or past diagnosis of a substance use disord…
Interventions
- DeviceActive RAVANS
RAVANS employs non-invasive, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) to stimulate vagal afferent nerve fibers exclusively during exhalation. Linking stimulation to exhalation creates a synergistic effect that appears to increase parasympathetic tone and impacts key brain areas implicated in problematic drinking, including the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex. Because mindfulness training appears to impact complimentary neural mechanisms, applying stimulation during the outbreath of mindfulness practice may potentiate its effects, accelerate training, and improve capacity for attention and emotion regulation.
- BehavioralBrief Mindfulness-Based Intervention
Mindfulness-based interventions may improve interoceptive awareness and heart rate variability outcomes. Participants will be asked to practice 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation daily for 6 out of 7 days during the intervention week. They will also listen to a 30-minute mindfulness of breathing audio recording during Laboratory Visit 2.
Location
- Center for Mindfulness and CompassionMalden, Massachusetts