Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Methadone Maintenance: A Feasibility Trial.
Sarah Bowen, Vanessa C Somohano, Rachel E Rutkie, Jacob A Manuel, Kristoffer L Rehder
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) July 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0417 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA pilot mixed-methods study adapted mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) for clients in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and tested its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy. Fifteen adults from a methadone clinic completed a 6-week MBRP course. Focus groups and satisfaction surveys indicated the intervention was feasible and acceptable. Self-reported depression, craving, and trauma symptoms improved significantly from baseline to postcourse; anxiety and experiential avoidance also changed in the expected direction but did not reach statistical significance. The results support further trials of mindfulness-based approaches in MMT settings.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Mixed methods pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Adults recruited from a methadone clinic |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) |
| Duration | 6-week course |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Methadone maintenance therapy Mindfulness-based relapse prevention Substance use |
| Key finding | MBRP was feasible and acceptable for MMT clients, and depression, craving, and trauma symptoms significantly improved from baseline to postcourse. |
Abstract
As rates of opiate misuse rise in the United States, so do significant associated health and financial consequences to afflicted individuals, their families, and society at large. Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is one evidence-based approach to treating opiate addiction, yet supplemental psychosocial treatment to support this approach is lacking. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) has shown to be efficacious in various substance use populations, but has yet to be assessed with MMT clients. The current mixed methods study was designed to inform protocol adaptation for MMT clients and to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of MBRP for this population. The sample consisted of adults (N = 15) recruited from a methadone clinic to participate in a 6-week MBRP course. Data from focus groups and course satisfaction surveys supported feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Self-report outcome measures included depression, anxiety, craving, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, and experiential avoidance, and were assessed at baseline and postcourse. Mean scores on all primary outcomes changed in the expected direction at postcourse, and baseline to postcourse changes in depression, craving, and trauma symptoms reached statistical significance. Results from this initial pilot trial support feasibility and acceptability, and provide preliminary data on outcomes for future trials of mindfulness-based approaches within the MMT community.