A Vipassana meditation course given in jail led to significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine use after release, compared to standard treatment. Participants also experienced fewer alcohol-related problems and psychiatric symptoms, along with improvements in positive psychosocial outcomes. The findings suggest mindfulness-based practices offer a viable alternative for individuals who have not succeeded with or do not wish to attend traditional addiction treatments.
Attempting to suppress thoughts about using substances can paradoxically increase substance use. Vipassana, a mindfulness meditation practice that emphasizes acceptance rather than suppression of unwanted thoughts, was previously shown to reduce substance use in incarcerated individuals. This follow-up study found that participants in a Vipassana course reported significantly less avoidance of thoughts compared to a control group receiving treatment as usual. This reduction in thought avoidance partially explained the course's positive effects on alcohol use and related consequences after release from incarceration.