Mindfulness and Alcohol Demand Among Young Adult Drinkers

The current study expands upon previous research by exploring the relationship between trait mindfulness, alcohol consumption, and behavioral economic demand for alcohol. Undergraduate students (N=206) from a large public university in the southeastern United States completed a survey measuring alcohol consumption, watched a mood induction video, then completed surveys measuring trait mindfulness and demand for alcohol. Multiple hierarchical regressions were used to evaluate the utility of trait mindfulness (FFMQ) in predicting demand for alcohol after controlling for alcohol consumption, gender, and mood induction video. Nonjudging of experience, a component of mindfulness, predicted decreased demand for alcohol. Mindfulness components nonjudging of experience and describing with words were associated with lower alcohol demand. Acting with awareness was also associated with lower alcohol consumption. Trait mindfulness reduces alcohol demand and consumption, which may make it an effective therapeutic target for the reduction of risky drinking in college students