Research Studies
At 6 months, 52 people in a Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) program reported significantly less craving, depression and anxiety. They also had fewer days of alcohol use and were better able to make choices based on their values rather than on habit.
von Hammerstein C, Khazaal Y, Dupuis M, et al. Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a mindfulness-based relapse prevention program in a naturalistic setting among treatment-seeking patients with alcohol use disorder: a prospective observational study. BMJ Open. 2019 Jun 1; 9(5): e026839.
After taking a training in Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), 30 patients with opioid use disorder had fewer cravings and more self-control. Pain discomfort and stress improved. MORE may help treat opioid use disorder and chronic pain in people who use medication-assisted treatment such as methadone maintenance.
Garland EL, Hanley AW, Kline A, Cooperman NA. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement reduces opioid craving among individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain in medication assisted treatment: Ecological momentary assessments from a stage 1 randomized controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019 Oct 1;203: 61-65.
The majority of studies in this review showed positive results in patients with substance use disorders who were treated with mindfulness meditation.
Zgierska A, Rabago D, Chawla N, Kushner K, Koehler R, Marlatt A. Mindfulness meditation for substance use disorders: a systematic review. Subst Abus. 2009;30(4):266-294.
In this study, 19 people in recovery for alcohol use disorder were taught how to meditate. Their ability to control cravings improved and their stress caused by cravings decreased.
Zgierska A, Rabago D, Zuelsdorff M, et al. Mindfulness meditation for alcohol relapse prevention: a feasibility pilot study. J Addict Med. 2008;2(3):165–173.