The role of thought suppression in the relationship between mindfulness meditation and alcohol use.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that attempts to suppress thoughts about using substances may actually lead to increases in substance use. Vipassana, a mindfulness meditation practice, emphasizes acceptance, rather than suppression, of unwanted thoughts. A study by Bowen and colleagues examining the effects of a Vipassana course on substance use in an incarcerated population showed significant reductions in substance use among the Vipassana group as compared to a treatment - usual control condition [Bowen S., Witkiewitz K., Dillworth T.M., Chawla N., Simpson T.L., Ostafin B.D., et al. (2006). Mindfulness Meditation and Substance Use in an Incarcerated Population. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.]. The current study further examines the mediating effects of thought suppression in the relationship between participation in the course and subsequent alcohol use. Those who participated in the course reported significant decreases in avoidance of thoughts when compared to controls. The decrease in avoidance partially mediated effects of the course on post-release alcohol use and consequences.