TeleHealth Resources for IndiVidualizEd Goals (THRIVE) in Alcohol Recovery Study

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention as Video Conferencing Continuing Care to Promote Long Term Recovery From Alcohol Use Disorder

This project will evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) delivered via video conferencing, as compared to referral to online mutual support groups, in supporting long-term whole-person recovery and improvements in neurobiologically-informed domains of addiction among individuals with alcohol use disorder who are interested in reducing or stopping drinking. The project will also examine the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of MBRP as an accessible and freely available continuing care option that supports long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder in all communities nationwide, including medically underserved and health professional shortage areas.

The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) groups delivered via Zoom in promoting whole-person recovery from alcohol use disorder, and to examine how MBRP affects mechanisms of behavior change based on neurobiologically-informed addiction cycle domains. The investigators will use a hybrid effectiveness-implementation design to prospectively test the effectiveness of MBRP, as well as identify barriers and facilitators of MBRP group participation to inform future implementation of MBRP continuing care. Individuals (n=430) who have recently engaged in a change attempt to stop or reduce their drinking (via treatment or self-change) will be randomized to either MBRP groups via Zoom or referral to online mutual support. Participants will complete measures of psychosocial functioning, alcohol and other drug use, addiction cycle domains, and previously established predictors of recovery every 6 months for 3 years. Using a mixed methods design in the MBRP group, the investigators will examine facilitators and barriers to participation and engagement in MBRP, and assess the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of MBRP via Zoom as continuing care in communities nationwide.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Received AUD treatment or made a self-change attempt to reduce or stop drinking in the past 3 months or is interested in reducing or stopping drinking
• Meet criteria for a current AUD
• Engaged in heavy drinking (more than 14 standard drinks per week or more than 4 drinks on a single day for men and more than 7 drinks per week or more than 3 drinks on a single day for women) in the past 6-months
• Able to understand all study procedures and able to consent in English or Spanish.
• Be willing to use a personal smart phone or tablet that is connected to the internet, or being willing to use a study-provided tablet
• Have access to a valid U.S. mailing address for receiving dried blood spot card or blood collection device.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current symptoms of psychosis or mania.
• Have a substance use disorder requiring a higher level of care than outpatient treatment (e.g., severe alcohol use disorder requiring inpatient detoxification).