Mindfulness-based Group Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorders

Treatment

DIAGNOSIS: Substance-Use Disorders

TREATMENT: Mindfulness-based Group Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorders

BRIEF SUMMARY

Basic premise: Mindfulness-based interventions are an increasingly utilized approach for addressing behavioral health issues like SUDs, either as standalone interventions or integrated into other treatments. It derived from Buddhist theory, focusing the attention to the present moment, with an openness to accepting things as they are. Within the medical treatment, patients may develop mindfulness to identify, acknowledge, and disengage from dysfunctional cognitions. Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is a recent mindfulness intervention directed to people suffering from alcohol use disorder. It aimed to integrate psychotherapeutic relapse prevention techniques with mindfulness-based meditation practices. This approach is intended to reduce the risk of relapse by helping patients with psychological discomfort that often precipitates relapse. The core components of MBRP are typically delivered 2-hour group sessions for 8 weeks (16 hours total contact time). During these sessions, MBRP providers teach patients meditation practices related to a central theme for the session, to facilitate patients’ awareness of and healthier responses to challenging emotional, cognitive, and physical states they may experience due to craving or withdrawal from substance use.

Lo Coco, G., Melchiori, F., Oieni, V., Infurna, M. R., Strauss, B., Schwartze, D., Rosendahl, J., & Gullo, S. (2019). Group treatment for substance use disorder in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 99, 104–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2019.01.016

Witkiewitz, K., Bowen, S., Harrop, E. N., Douglas, H., Enkema, M., & Sedgwick, C. (2014). Mindfulness-based treatment to prevent addictive behavior relapse: theoretical models and hypothesized mechanisms of change. Substance Use & Misuse, 49(5), 513–524. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2014.891845

Witkiewitz, K., Marlatt, G. A., & Walker, D. (2005). Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 19(3), 211–228. https://doi.org/10.1891/jcop.2005.19.3.211

TREATMENT RESOURCES

TREATMENT MANUALS

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for addictive behaviors: A clinicians guide (2nd ed.) (Bowen, et al., 2021)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for addictive behavior (Video) (Northwest ATTC)

Group treatments for addiction (CEU Matrix, 2010; Daley and Douaihy, 2011)

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for addictive behaviors (Slideshow) (Northwest ATTC)

SUPPORTING STUDIES

Bowen, S., Chawla, N., Collins, S. E., Witkiewitz, K., Hsu, S., Grow, J., Clifasefi, S., Garner, M., Douglass, A., Larimer, M. E., & Marlatt, A. (2009). Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for substance use disorders: a pilot efficacy trial. Substance Abuse, 30(4), 295–305.

https://doi.org/10.1080/08897070903250084

Bowen, S., Witkiewitz, K., Clifasefi, S. L., Grow, J., Chawla, N., Hsu, S. H., Carroll, H. A., Harrop, E., Collins, S. E., Lustyk, M. K., & Larimer, M. E. (2014). Relative efficacy of mindfulness-based relapse prevention, standard relapse prevention, and treatment as usual for substance use disorders: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(5), 547–556.

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.4546

Brewer, J. A., Sinha, R., Chen, J. A., Michalsen, R. N., Babuscio, T. A., Nich, C., Grier, A., Bergquist, K. L., Reis, D. L., Potenza, M. N., Carroll, K. M., & Rounsaville, B. J. (2009). Mindfulness training and stress reactivity in substance abuse: results from a randomized, controlled stage I pilot study. Substance Abuse, 30(4), 306–317.

https://doi.org/10.1080/08897070903250241

Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2014). Are mindfulness-based interventions effective for substance use disorders? A systematic review of the evidence. Substance Use & Misuse, 49(5), 492–512.

https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2013.770027

Garland, E. L., Gaylord, S. A., Boettiger, C. A., & Howard, M. O. (2010). Mindfulness training modifies cognitive, affective, and physiological mechanisms implicated in alcohol dependence: results of a randomized controlled pilot trial. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(2), 177–192.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2010.10400690

Grant, S., Colaiaco, B., Motala, A., Shanman, R., Booth, M., Sorbero, M., & Hempel, S. (2017). Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention for Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 11(5), 386–396.

https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0000000000000338

Zgierska, A., Rabago, D., Zuelsdorff, M., Coe, C., Miller, M., & Fleming, M. (2008). Mindfulness meditation for alcohol relapse prevention: a feasibility pilot study. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 2(3), 165–173.

https://doi.org/10.1097/ADM.0b013e31816f8546