Exploring the Effects of Brief Mindfulness Training With Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Alcohol Cue Reactivity Among Young Adult Heavy Drinkers

Inclusion Criteria: * Currently living in Massachusetts. * Aged 21-29 years old. * Consume either more than 14 standard drinks of alcohol per week OR at least 5 standard drinks in one day per week (in past 30 days). * Have sufficient English fluency to understand procedures and questionnaires. * Have the capacity and ability to provide informed consent. * Scores at least 15 points on the PACS at screening. Participants who score between 10 and 14 pts will undergo additional doctoral-level review to assess eligibility. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or past diagnosis of a substance use disorder based on the Quick Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Module C (Substance Use Disorders). * Active prescription for sedative/hypnotics, opioids, or anesthetic medications. * Active prescription for medications used to treat AUD (e.g., naltrexone, disulfiram, acamprosate, etc.). * Active psychosis or schizophrenia-spectrum disorder diagnosis. * Bipolar I disorder history or severe level of mania. * Severe symptoms of PTSD. * Acute suicidality or self-injurious behavior. * Cognitive inability as demonstrated by the inability to complete an informed consent assessment with \>90% accuracy after 2 attempts. * Current participation in another experimental intervention research study. * Current daily mindfulness practice \>10 minutes per day. * Participation in an 8-week intensive Mindfulness-Based Intervention or residential meditation retreat in past 3 years. * Expected medical hospit…