Introduction
The practice of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in addiction recovery has rapidly gained popularity. MBIs are based on the premise that people can learn to be fully aware of what is happening in their minds and bodies at any given moment, which can lead to a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, Say’s Dr. Julian Mitton mindfulness-based strategies may reduce cravings by teaching clients how to detach from thoughts about drugs or alcohol. Evidence suggests that MBIs are particularly useful for reducing craving by teaching clients how to detach from thoughts about drugs or alcohol
The practice of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in addiction recovery has rapidly gained popularity.
- Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be effective in reducing craving, anxiety and depression.
- Mindfulness can be practiced in a variety of ways, including meditation, yoga and tai chi.
- MBIs are helpful for people with addiction problems because they help them focus on their present experience without judgment or analysis.
Evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs includes randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs).
The evidence for the effectiveness of MBIs includes randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs). These trials have demonstrated that MBIs can reduce craving levels and increase abstinence rates. In addition, there is some evidence suggesting that MBIs may help people cope with stress and negative emotions, as well as improve their ability to regulate their emotions. Finally, there is some indication that MBIs may also be effective at reducing relapse rates among individuals who have previously been treated for an SUD or who are currently in recovery from one
Evidence suggests that MBIs are particularly useful for reducing craving by teaching clients how to detach from thoughts about drugs or alcohol.
Mindfulness-based interventions teach patients how to detach from thoughts about drugs or alcohol. Moreover, they can help people learn how to practice mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to reduce craving and urge intensity (2).
In one study of people with cocaine addiction who were not currently using any substances, those who received MBIs had reduced cravings for cocaine compared with those who received standard treatment (3). In another study of smokers trying to quit smoking cigarettes, participants who took part in an MBI showed less desire for cigarettes than those who did not participate in an MBI (4).
Mindfulness-based approaches may also help patients cope with cravings by developing alternative ways of coping with stress.
Cravings can be stressful. In fact, stress is a common trigger for cravings in people who are already predisposed to addiction. For example, if you’re feeling stressed about your job or finances, it may be difficult to resist the urge to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes as a way of coping with those feelings.
Mindfulness-based approaches may also help patients cope with cravings by developing alternative ways of coping with stress. This can be especially helpful if they are experiencing anxiety or depression in addition to an addiction problem–these conditions often make it harder for people to manage their urges without turning back towards substance abuse again and again
Conclusion
The growing body of evidence supporting the use of mindfulness-based interventions in addiction recovery suggests that these approaches may be effective at reducing craving and relapse. While MBIs are not a replacement for traditional treatments such as therapy or medications, they may be an important addition to these standard practices.
