Mindfulness-based programs for substance use disorders: a systematic review of manualized treatments
J. Richard Korecki, Frank J. Schwebel, Victoria R. Votaw, Katie Witkiewitz
Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy July 29, 2020 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00293-3 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindfulness-based interventions are as effective as established evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, reducing the frequency and quantity of alcohol and drug use, substance-related problems, and craving, while increasing abstinence rates. A systematic review of 30 randomized controlled trials published between January 2016 and April 2020 updated earlier findings. Future research should focus on larger trials, optimal settings and protocols, patient populations most likely to benefit, and dissemination and implementation.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Participants seeking treatment for substance use disorders |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Health psychology Substance use Psychotherapist Public health |
| Citations | 141 |
| Key finding | Mindfulness-based interventions appear as effective as existing evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders at reducing substance use and craving and increasing abstinence. |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders are prevalent and returning to substance use (i.e., relapse) following treatment is common, underscoring the need for effective treatments that will help individuals maintain long-term reductions in substance use. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been increasingly developed and evaluated for the treatment of substance use disorders. The aim of this article was to update a systematic review conducted by Li et al. in 2017 on the outcomes of randomized control trials of MBIs for substance use disorders. In addition, we provided a session-by-session examination of the most widely used MBI protocols. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases from January of 2016 through April of 2020. Studies were included based on the following criteria: 1) examined the effects of an MBI, 2) employed a randomized controlled trial design with repeated measures, including secondary data analyses of randomized controlled trials, and 3) enrolled participants seeking treatment for substance use disorders. RESULTS: The search identified 902 publications and 30 studies were eligible for inclusion and data extraction. MBIs appear to be as effective as existing evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders at reducing the frequency and quantity of alcohol and drug use, substance-related problems, craving for substance use, and at increasing the rate of abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: Future directions include additional large scale randomized controlled trials, investigation of the most suitable settings and protocols, examination of patient populations that may benefit most from MBIs, and dissemination and implementation research.