Mindfulness in addictions

Abstract

ARTICLE SUMMARYThere have been many developments in mindfulness-based approaches (MBAs) since the original mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course was first delivered in the 1980s. There are now a variety of mindfulness approaches, which are used to good effect in a range of psychological and physical health disorders. The addictions field first witnessed the development of relapse prevention techniques more than 30 years ago. MBAs have been adapted for use in relapse prevention and can be offered as a mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) course. MBSR or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) courses may also be useful for those with addiction problems. In this article, we describe the MBAs that are commonly offered at present. We highlight ways in which these approaches may be useful in the addictions field. We also make suggestions for clinicians who may be interested in offering MBAs within their own service. LEARNING OBJECTIVES• Gain an understanding of the term 'mindfulness' and the increasing variety of mindfulness approaches• Gain an understanding of the use and development of mindfulness approaches in addiction services • Be better able to plan the introduction of mindfulness approaches in addiction services DECLARATION OF INTEREST D.J. is an MBA teacher. A.W. is a trustee of Mindfulness Scotland and an MBA teacher trainer 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could just miss it' (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986).There is broad agreement among addiction specialists that detoxification from most substances is relatively straightforward, but that maintaining abstinence is more problematic. A recent review of psychosocial treatments used in addiction services highlighted the low effect sizes seen in treatment outcomes and the minimal differences between these approaches (Luty 2015). It is well recognised, however, that individual therapist factors, such as empathy and the strength of the therapeutic relationship, can strongly influence outcomes (Miller 2015). With this in mind, there is scope to refine our existing treatments and develop new approaches for those with addictive behaviour problems. We will briefly outline trends in psychological treatments used in addictions, before describing mindfulness and its use in addictions. We then provide some practical information for interested clinicians on getting started. Mindfulness and mindfulness-based approachesMindfulness-based approaches (MBAs) were first popularised in the West by Jon Kabat-Zinn, who integrated meditation practices into a mindfulnessbased stress reduction (MBSR) course for people experiencing a range of chronic health problems.

The mediating effect of attentional impulsivity between mindfulness and problematic smartphone use

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Mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of depressive rumination: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The interventions based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR; Kabat-Zinn, 1990 ) and on the Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT; Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2002 ) can be considered the most widespread treatments among clinical psychologists who promote mindfulness for the treatment of depression and cognitive rumination. Both are very similar in structure, learning format and even in the active principles, although some differences between them have also been pointed out ( Crane et al, 2012 ; Johnson, Mullen, Smith, & Wilson, 2016 ). These two ways of treating human suffering have also been encompassed in so-called third-wave therapies ( Hayes, 2004 ).…”

Levels and relationships of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, and Severity of Dependence among tribals with alcohol use disorder among tribals in East India: A preliminary study

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