How Effective Are Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), Relapse Prevention, and Craving: An Umbrella Review Article.
Substance Use & Misuse July 15, 2026 Parvin Ajami Bakhtiarvand, Mohammad Reza Abedi
An umbrella review of 11 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2017 and 2026 assessed the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for substance use disorder treatment, relapse prevention, and craving reduction. The evidence suggests that MBIs, including Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention and Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, provide preliminary support for reducing relapse (effect sizes: d = 0.45–0.78) and craving for alcohol, opioids, and stimulants (Hedges' g = 0.52–0.71). Neuroimaging findings indicated increased prefrontal activation and reduced insular hyperactivity. Heterogeneity and study quality should be considered; standardization and longer follow-up are recommended for clinical application.