This study is a micro-trial of our mindful yoga intervention, BEING, tailored to the MAT clients. This study adapts an existing manualized program of yoga and mindfulness intervention (BEING) for MAT participants. Particularly important is addressing potential challenges and concerns regarding acceptability and feasibility of implementation in vulnerable males with substance dependence. We are enlisting the support of a mindful yoga expert with experience in related populations (i.e., previously incarcerated male veterans with mental health issues) in the adaptation process. This study is designed primarily to test the feasibility of the implementation of the intervention. We cannot draw statistically valid conclusions about the impact the intervention on outcomes, given the overall study design. We plan to collect participant feedback on whether or not the intervention is acceptable. We also want to evaluate the availability, accessibility, acceptability and feasibility of collecting certain measures that would be collected in a subsequent adequately powered treatment study.
The main aim of this study is to better understand whether yoga can be blended with mindfulness as an additional intervention for people receiving medication assisted treatment at a Hartford-based community agency. If this program is acceptable to participants, then additional studies can allow us to determine its impact on stress and cravings. This intervention, developed by the researchers, is called BEING.