Meditation and De-Addiction: A Neurobiological Perspective
Km Megha, Arjun Ram Roj, Vijay Shanker Yadav, Chaitanya Kaushal, Pallabi Pal, Monalisa Das, Sanjib K. Patra
International Journal of Endovascular Treatment and Innovative Techniques December 26, 2025 DOI: 10.61797/ijetit.v6i2.622 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | meditation |
| Topics | Addiction Meditation |
| Keywords | Craving Prefrontal cortex Amygdala Perspective graphical Reward system Psychological intervention Psychotherapist Cognition Clinical psychology Narrative review |
| Key findings | Preliminary evidence suggests meditation may engage neurobiological pathways implicated in addiction, but current research limitations preclude definitive conclusions. |
Abstract
Background: Addiction is a multifaceted disorder involving compulsive substance use, impaired self-regulation, and continued use despite adverse consequences. Neurobiological alterations in key brain regions, including the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), amygdala, hippocampus, and mesolimbic reward system, underlie addiction pathophysiology. These changes disrupt reward processing, cognitive control, and stress regulation, contributing to heightened cravings and relapse vulnerability. Emerging evidence suggests meditation may modulate these neurobiological pathways.
Objective: This review explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and evaluates potential therapeutic effects of meditation on these pathways.
Methods: A narrative review of current literature was conducted, synthesizing evidence from neurobiological studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews examining meditation interventions in addiction populations.
Results: Current evidence suggests addiction involves dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward system, with altered dopamine signalling, impaired PFC function, and amygdala hyperactivity. Preliminary research indicates meditation may influence these systems through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of prefrontal-limbic connectivity, stress response normalization via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, and enhanced neuroplasticity. However, findings remain mixed, with significant methodological limitations across studies.
Conclusion: While preliminary evidence suggests meditation may engage neurobiological pathways implicated in addiction, current research limitations preclude definitive conclusions. Further rigorous, controlled studies with standardized meditation protocols, larger sample sizes, and longer follow-up periods are essential to establish clinical efficacy and elucidate specific mechanisms of action.