Effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation Program in Preventing and Treating Substance Misuse: A Review
Paul Gelderloos, Kenneth G Walton, David W. Orme-Johnson, Charles N. Alexander
International Journal of the Addictions 1991 DOI: 10.3109/10826089109058887 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Noninstitutionalized users, participants in treatment programs, and prisoners with histories of heavy use |
| Intervention | Transcendental Meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Transcendental meditation Clinical psychology Empowerment Distress Transcendental number Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 81 |
| Key findings | Transcendental Meditation shows positive effects on treating and preventing substance misuse across multiple study designs. |
Abstract
This article reviews 24 studies on the benefits of Transcendental Meditation (TM) in treating and preventing misuse of chemical substances. Studies cover noninstitutionalized users, participants in treatment programs, and prisoners with histories of heavy use. All the studies showed positive effects of the TM program. Some of the survey-type studies were unable to exclude the possibility of self-selection or responder biases. However, longitudinal, random-assignment studies with objective measures also showed positive results. Taken together, these and other studies indicate the program simultaneously addresses several factors underlying chemical dependence, providing not only immediate relief from distress but also long-range improvements in well-being, self-esteem, personal empowerment, and other areas of psychophysiological health.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 17
- A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Clinical Trial: The Effect of a Mindfulness Meditation-Based Stress Reduction Program on Mood and Symptoms of Stress in Cancer Outpatients Psychosomatic Medicine September 1, 2000
- The meeting of meditative disciplines and western psychology: A mutually enriching dialogue. American Psychologist 2006
- Stress Reduction and Preventing Hypertension: Preliminary Support for a Psychoneuroendocrine Mechanism The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine June 1, 1995
- An analysis of recent meditation research and suggestions for future directions. The Humanistic Psychologist 2003
- Using Meditation in Addiction Counseling Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling October 1, 2011
and 12 more in the library
Cites 17
- Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness, and longevity: An experimental study with the elderly. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1989
- Meditation as an intervention in stress reactivity. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1976
- Short-Term Longitudinal Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Technique on EEG Power and Coherence International Journal of Neuroscience 1981
- Transcendental Meditation and Psychological Health Perceptual and Motor Skills October 1, 1974
- The effect of the transcendental meditation technique on anxiety level Journal of Clinical Psychology October 1, 1977
and 12 more in the library