A pilot study of Vipassana meditation with female drug users at a rehabilitation centre, Thailand
Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities November 28, 2019 Nualnong Wongtongkam, Phrakhru Bhavanaveeranusith
A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial tested whether Vipassana meditation reduces depression and improves empathy and self-awareness among drug-dependent women at a Thai rehabilitation center. The quantitative results showed no significant differences between the 24 intervention subjects and 22 controls on depression, empathy, or mindfulness levels, though a small decline in depression appeared in the intervention group at one-month follow-up. Focus group interviews indicated that participants developed self-awareness, moral values, and a greater understanding of right and wrong. The authors suggest that Vipassana meditation, being culturally appropriate for Thai culture and religion, should be incorporated into rehabilitation treatments.