Study Title

Development of a Mindfulness-Based Treatment for the Reduction of Alcohol Use and Smoking Cessation

Summary

The purpose of this study is to develop a treatment that can effectively help people reduce their alcohol use and quit smoking.

Objective

Aim 1: Modify an existing mindfulness-based treatment to include a focus on smoking cessation and reduced alcohol use. Study 1 will modify an existing substance use treatment,MBRP, to focus explicitly on smoking cessation and reducing alcohol use (MBRP-SA). Modification of the protocol will be conducted through an iterative development process based on the existing literature regarding mindfulness, smoking, and alcohol use, the expertise of the research team, and feedback from two small groups of participants (N=16). Aim 2: Evaluate benchmarks regarding the feasibility and acceptability of MBRP-SA. Study 2 will determine the ability of the research team to recruit and retain participants, to implement the designed protocol, and to determine treatment adherence. Participants (N=64) will be randomized to either MBRP-SA or CBT. Data on participants experience (e.g., acceptance,satisfaction, compliance) will be collected and examined. Aim 3: Collect and examine descriptive data on proximal and distal variables associated with increased smoking abstinence and reduced drinking. Proximal variables associated with smoking abstinence and reduced drinking (e.g., reduced negative affect, self-efficacy, craving), and the distal variables of smoking abstinence and heavy drinking will be collected and examined. We will also examine the feasibility for collecting data on potential moderators and/or mediators of treatment outcome. Aim 3 will be underpowered to test for any main effects of treatment on clinical outcomes. Nonetheless, these data will contribute to our understanding of the feasibility of collecting such data and allow us to observe any trends in particular directions.