Emerging adulthood is a critical period for the onset of problematic drinking, especially within underserved populations, such as Latine emerging adults. This protocol outlines the adaptation of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) incorporating Contingency Management (CM) to address alcohol misuse in Latine young adults, a demographic with limited treatment access and increased vulnerability to substance use disorders. Grounded in Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) principles, this study employs a structured formative development approach to culturally and developmentally adapt a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. The intervention is designed to enhance emotional regulation and reduce alcohol misuse, supported by CM strategies to boost participant retention. This study's objectives include assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of the adapted MBI among non-treatment-seeking Latine emerging adults engaging in heavy episodic drinking. If successful, this protocol will provide a culturally resonant, non-traditional intervention model to mitigate alcohol misuse within this high-need population and inform future preventive efforts.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA; AAR01AA030976)

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

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Yes

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

Yes

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Yes

not applicable. This manuscript only describes a planned protocol