Pilot randomized trial on mindfulness training for smokers in young adult binge drinkers
James M. Davis, David M Mills, Kristin A Stankevitz, A. Manley, M. Majeskie, Stevens S. Smith
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine September 3, 2013 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-215 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 55 |
| Population | Smokers aged 18-29 years with regular episodes of binge drinking, recruited primarily at local technical colleges; 70.9% male, mean age 21.9 years, mean 11.76 alcoholic drinks per week |
| Interventions | Mindfulness Training for Smokers (MTS) Interactive Learning for Smokers (ILS) |
| Duration | Six weekly classes; outcomes assessed at end of treatment, 2 weeks post-quit attempt |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Registration | NCT01679236 |
| Key findings | Biochemically confirmed 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence two weeks after the quit attempt was 20.0% with Mindfulness Training for Smokers versus 4.0% with the matched control, a difference that did not reach statistical significance (p = .08). The authors conclude MTS shows promise for smoking cessation and alcohol reduction in young adult smokers with alcohol abuse, and that a larger trial with methods to reduce attrition is needed. |
Abstract
BackgroundWe report results of a pilot study designed to test a novel smoking cessation intervention, Mindfulness Training for Smokers (MTS), in smokers age 18-29 years with regular episodes of binge drinking. Mindfulness is a cognitive skill of applying close moment-to-moment attention to experience with a mental posture of acceptance and non-reactivity. The MTS intervention consisted of six weekly classes that provided instruction on how to use mindfulness to manage known precursors of smoking relapse including smoking triggers, strong emotions, stressful situations, addictive thoughts, urges, and withdrawal symptoms.MethodsThe MTS intervention was compared to Interactive Learning for Smokers (ILS), a time/intensity matched control group using daily non-directed walking instead of mindfulness meditation. Recruitment was conducted primarily at local technical colleges. Primary outcome measures included biochemically-confirmed smoking abstinence and reduction in alcohol use at the end of treatment (2-weeks post-quit attempt).ResultsThe sample (N = 55) was 70.9% male, with a mean age of 21.9 years, and a mean of 11.76 alcoholic drinks consumed per week. Intent-to-treat analysis showed biochemically-confirmed 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates at 2-weeks post-quit for MTS = 20.0% and ILS = 4.0%, p = .08. Secondary analysis showed number of drinks per week in the first 2-weeks post-quit correlated with smoking relapse at 2-weeks post-quit (p < .01).ConclusionsThis pilot study demonstrated that Mindfulness Training for Smokers shows promise for smoking cessation and alcohol use reduction in treating young adult smokers with alcohol abuse. Results suggest the need for a study with larger sample size and methods that reduce attrition.Trial registrationClnicalTrial.gov, NCT01679236
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 16
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Substance and Behavioral Addictions: A Systematic Review Frontiers in Psychiatry March 29, 2018
- Mental and Physical Health Impacts of Mindfulness Training for College Undergraduates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Mindfulness September 1, 2023
- Mindfulness training for smokers via web-based video instruction with phone support: a prospective observational study BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine March 29, 2015
- What can we learn from randomized clinical trials about the construct validity of self-report measures of mindfulness? A meta-analysis June 4, 2019
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adolescent Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics February 1, 2026
and 11 more in the library
Cites 6
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 2000
- A pilot study on mindfulness based stress reduction for smokers BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine January 25, 2007
- Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Journal of Addiction Medicine May 4, 2008
- Mindfulness training for smoking cessation: results from a randomized controlled trial. Drug and Alcohol Dependence July 1, 2011
and 1 more in the library