Mindfulness intervention for female inmates with alcohol abuse issues
Mindfulness for Alcohol Abusing Offenders
This study is testing whether a mindfulness program can help female inmates with alcohol problems reduce their drinking and stay out of trouble compared to other treatments or no treatment at all.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 480 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | The Mind Research Network Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico) |
| Trial ID | NCT03883646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop and evaluate a mindfulness intervention specifically designed for female prison inmates struggling with alcohol abuse. The study will randomly assign over 400 participants to either a mindfulness program, a relapse prevention training course, or a no treatment control group. By targeting neuropsychological vulnerabilities associated with relapse and recidivism, the study seeks to understand the efficacy of mindfulness in reducing alcohol dependence and criminal behavior. The research will also explore the neurobiological mechanisms that may contribute to treatment success in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female inmates aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder who have more than three months remaining until their release.
Not a fit: Patients with uncorrectable auditory or visual deficits, severe cognitive disabilities, or current psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce rates of relapse and recidivism among female offenders with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have suggested that mindfulness interventions can provide psychological and behavioral benefits, but this specific approach targeting neurobiological mechanisms in female inmates is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years of age * Alcohol Use Disorder * Female (biological sex at birth) * Time to release from incarceration \> 3 months * 5th grade or higher reading level * Able to speak and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Uncorrectable auditory or visual deficits * Intelligence Quotient score below 70 * History of dementia or other cognitive disability * Current psychotic disorder (chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and/or active psychotic symptoms) * Major medical illness or Central Nervous System disease * MRI incompatibility (e.g., metal in body)
Where this trial is running
Albuquerque, New Mexico
- The Mind Research Network — Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jenna Shold, PhD
- Email: jshold@mrn.org
- Phone: 505-400-5241
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.