Who can join our study?

  • The participant must be age 12-17

  • The participant must be recieving primary care within the Johns Hopkins network.

  • The participant must be able to read and write in English or Spanish.

  • The participant must screen positive with monthly or more alcohol use.

Study Timeline

  • Screening

    A member of our team will contact you and ask you some questions to confirm that your are eligible for our study. This contact will take place either virtually, or during a scheduled visit with your Primary Care Provider (PCP).

  • Agree to Participate

    A team member will review all of the study details with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you have the information you need before deciding if you want to be in the study.

  • Enrollment

    Once you decide to join our study, you will need to complete a few assessments to help us learn more about you. We will also give you more information about that you will sign off on to officially enroll you in the study.

  • Randomization

    Once you complete the enrollment process, you will be assigned to a study arm.

    Arm 1: Brief Motivational Alcohol Interventions (BMAI): BMAI’s will be administered during well-visits and follow-ups. The provider will discuss needs, goals, barriers for the reduction of alcohol use. BMAI’s can take 5-30 minutes depending on the participants needs.

    Arm 2: BMAI + Mindfulness training app: In addition to BMAI’s, those selected to be in arm 2 will be excpected to use the Healthy Minds app. The app consists of various lessions and meditations that will help increase mindfulness. As apart of the study, we will be focusing on excersises that will help increase awareness and insight.

  • Intervention

    For the each intervention, you will be expected to:

    Arm 1: Brief Motivational Alcohol Interventions (BMAI)

    Attend regular visits with your PCP

    Arm 2: BMAI + Mindfulness app-training

    Attend regular visits with your PCP

    Participate in a 15-20 minute scheduled app-training with a member of our team

    Use the app for 5 minutes a day for 8 weeks

  • Follow-Up

    A member of our team will admister a series of follow-up assesments to help us understand the effects of the different interventions. This will take place at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after enrolling in our study.

  • Interviews

    You may be contacted by our team to participate in a focus group interview. This will help us learn more about your experience while in our study.

About Mindfulness Training

Mindfulness training (MT) is an evidence based intervention that has been shown to reduce use of alcohol/other drugs (AOD) in youth. (MT) is used to develop skills such as self-awareness and emotional-regulation.

  • The app will help teens develop key mindfulness skills. The app contains guided meditations and exercises focused on one skill at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. If you change your mind about participating in the study, you may drop-out at any time. Just let a member of our team know that you want to drop out, and we will end your time in the study.

  • No. Our team may schedule to meet during your visits with your provider. However, we will offer the option to meet virtually or over the phone.

  • Participants may receive up to $150 by participating in this study. Adolescent participants will receive $5 for participating in the screening process. They will receive an additional $25 gift-card for each follow-up assessment they complete. Participants will earn an additional $20 for participating in the face-to-face interview.

  • Our study team and your provider will know that you are in the study. Your parent/caregiver will know that you are in the study because we will need their permission for you to participate. Your provider will not know what group you have been assigned to. Only one of our team members will know which group you have been assigned to.

  • Yes! Once you have completed the 12-month study period, you will have access to the app.

  • You may discuss the study with your friends and family. However, if you are in Arm 2 and have questions or problems with the app, you should only reach out to the team member who helped you set up the app. You should not tell your provider about your time in study.