[Mindfulness based interventions for addictive disorders: a review].
S Skanavi, X Laqueille, H-J Aubin
L'Encephale October 2011 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2010.08.010 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Five of six clinical trials found that mindfulness-based programs significantly reduced substance use, and four of five comparative trials showed mindfulness interventions were more effective than control conditions. Drop-out rates ranged from 28% to 55%, and improvements were maintained during follow-up when it was long enough. |
Abstract
In substance use disorders, the lack of empirically supported treatments and the minimal utilization of available programs indicate that innovative approaches are needed. Mindfulness based therapies have been used in addictive disorders for the last 10years. Mindfulness can be defined as the ability to focus open, non-judgmental attention to the full experience of internal and external phenomena, moment by moment. Several therapies based on mindfulness have been developed. The aim of this study is to review the existing data on the use of these programs in addictive disorders. We have reviewed the literature published from January 1980 to January 2009, using the following keywords: mindfulness, mindfulness based stress reduction program, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness based cognitive therapy, addiction, substance use, alcohol and smoking. Results of six clinical trials evaluating four different programs were found. Five studies were controlled and four were randomized. Drop-out rates were relatively high (from 28 to 55%). In five cases out of six, the program significantly reduced substance use. In four comparative trials out of five, interventions based on mindfulness proved more effective than control conditions. The effectiveness of interventions based on mindfulness and the differential improvement across conditions became greater and was maintained during follow-up when it was long enough. Participants in mindfulness programs were less likely to endorse the importance of reducing emotions associated with smoking and reported significant decreases in avoidance of thoughts which partially mediated alcohol use reduction. Psychiatric symptoms and the level of perceived stress were also significantly reduced. Mindfulness may help substance abusers to accept unusual physical sensations that might be confused with withdrawal symptoms, decentre from a strong urge and not act impulsively. It may reduce an individual's susceptibility to act in response to a drug cue. Practice of mindfulness may develop the ability to maintain perspective in response to strong emotional states and mood fluctuations and increase the saliency of natural reinforcers. Mindfulness based programs require an intensive participation, and should therefore be proposed to highly motivated patients. In smoking cessation, they should be used in patients who were unable to quit with less intensive interventions. Some programs are specifically designed for patients with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. The first clinical studies testing mindfulness based interventions in substance use disorders have shown promising results. They must be confirmed by larger controlled randomized clinical trials. By developing a better acceptance of unusual physical sensations, thoughts about drugs and distressing emotions, mindfulness may help in reducing the risk of relapse.
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 4
- Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy for Addiction: Results from a Preliminary Observational Study in Canada Current Drug Abuse Reviews June 1, 2013
- Ayahuasca: Pharmacology, neuroscience and therapeutic potential Brain Research Bulletin March 11, 2016
- [Mindfulness-based-relapse prevention (MBRP): Evaluation of the impact of a group of Mindfulness Therapy in alcohol relapse prevention for alcohol use disorders]. L'Encephale December 1, 2015
- [The history of Mindfulness put to the test of current scientific data: unresolved questions]. L'Encephale December 1, 2014
Cites 8
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2004
- Mindfulness meditation and substance use in an incarcerated population. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors August 28, 2006
- A pilot study on mindfulness based stress reduction for smokers BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine January 25, 2007
and 3 more in the library