Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Substance Use Disorders: A Pilot Efficacy Trial

Abstract

The current study is the first randomized-controlled trial evaluating the feasibility and initial efficacy of an 8-week outpatient Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) program as compared to treatment as usual (TAU). Participants were 168 adults with substance use disorders who had recently completed intensive inpatient or outpatient treatment. Assessments were administered pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 2 and 4 months post-intervention. Feasibility of MBRP was demonstrated by consistent homework compliance, attendance, and participant satisfaction. Initial efficacy was supported by significantly lower rates of substance use in those who received MBRP as compared to those in TAU over the 4-month post-intervention period. Additionally, MBRP participants demonstrated greater decreases in craving, and increases in acceptance and acting with awareness as compared to TAU. Results from this initial trial support the feasibility and initial efficacy of MBRP as an aftercare approach for individuals who have recently completed an intensive treatment for substance use disorders.

Meditation Awareness Training (MAT) for Improved Psychological Well-being: A Qualitative Examination of Participant Experiences

“…MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction (MBSR; Kabat-Zinn, 1990), which might be seen as a precursor and US counterpart 3 to MBCT, is practiced at over 240 hospitals and clinics worldwide (Baer, 2003) with over 19,000 participants having completed the program since 1979 (Center for Mindfulness, 2009). More recently, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (Bowen et al, 2009) has been developed as a group program for preventing relapse following rehabilitation for substance use disorders. Mindfulness techniques are also widely utilized in numerous one-to-one therapeutic modes such as Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (Linehan, 1993) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Hayes, Strosahl & Wilson, 1999).…”

Buddhist Approaches to Addiction Recovery

“…A subsequent pilot efficacy trial of MBRP used as an aftercare following intensive substance misuse treatment showed increased acceptance and reduced substance use and craving, especially in response to depression [29,30]. A randomized trial comparing standard relapse prevention to MBRP in part of a residential addiction treatment programme for women offenders found that MBRP resulted in fewer drug using days and fewer medical and legal problems [31].…”

Sensitivity for Self-Discrepancy Predicts Alcohol Consumption in Alcohol- Dependent Inpatients with High Self-Consciousness

“…In the first subpopulation with sensitivity to self-discrepancy, therapists could identify patients' personal values and help to establish action in line with these values. Moreover, increasing self-acceptance (e.g., mindfulness [29,30]) is important to reduce distress caused by selfdiscrepancy. In the second subpopulation, it could be interesting to increase AD patients' awareness of self-related elements to (re)connect to their Self during therapeutic process (e.g., psychoeducation, etc.…”