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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) Module C (Substance Use Disorders).
* Active prescription for sedative/hypnotics, opioids, or anesthetic medications.
* Active prescription for medications used to treat alcohol use disorder (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 hospitalization in the next 2 months; or are currently pregnant.
* Expected incarceration in the next 2 months.
* Presence of electronic implants, such as heart pacemakers, defibrillators, or pumps.
* Presence of a cardiac rhythm disorder.
* History of seizures.
* Presence of skin disorders or malignant diseases in the area in or around the left ear.
* Lack of alcohol craving as assessed by the PACS during screening (score of \< 10 points).