Mindfulness as an early intervention for hazardous alcohol use among non-treatment seeking Latine emerging adults: A mini-review

Abstract

The age cohort referred to as emerging adults (ages 18–29 years old) demonstrates the most hazardous alcohol use in the United States (U.S.) Approximately one-third of emerging adults regularly engage in heavy episodic drinking (4/5 drinks in two hours females/males). Compared to their non-Latine White peers, Latine emerging adults in the U.S. report lower rates of heavy episodic drinking (HED) yet are at greater risk of developing a substance use disorder and experience more severe negative consequences from drinking alcohol. Despite their high-risk status, Latine emerging adults are less likely to seek treatment and have less access to innovative health-promoting resources, further exacerbating health inequities. Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can interrupt habituated cognitions, intrusive thinking, and automatic behaviors associated with hazardous drinking. However, Latine representation in MBI trials is minimal. This mini-review explores the potential value of mindfulness as an early intervention for hazardous alcohol use among Latine emerging adults. The review provides future directions for research, highlighting the need to design culturally and developmentally tailored MBIs that can provide a respectful, non-judgmental, and discrimination-free environment that appeals to Latine emerging adults. Additionally, conclusions are drawn regarding the possible benefits of pairing MBI with contingency management strategies to decrease attrition rates in MBI trials.