Addictive Behavior Change and Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Current Research and Future Directions


Author: Frank J Schwebel1, J Richard Korecki2, Katie Witkiewitz1,2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.

<sup>2</sup> Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA.
Conference/Journal: Curr Addict Rep
Date published: 2020 Jun 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 7   ,  Issue ID: 2   ,  Pages: 117-124   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1007/s40429-020-00302-2.   ,  Word Count: 171  
    Purpose:

Addictive behaviors are difficult to change and result in high rates of relapse following change attempts. A number of effective treatment approaches have been developed to treat addictive behaviors (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapies). More recently, there has been an increase in the development and evaluation of mindfulness-based interventions for addictive behaviors. This article discusses the history of mindfulness-based interventions for addictive behaviors and recent advances in treatment.



Recent findings:

Mindfulness-based interventions are as effective as existing evidence-based treatments for addictive behaviors. Further understanding of the neurobiological changes that occur could help identify the components of mindfulness-based interventions that are most helpful and which individuals may benefit most from mindfulness-based intervention.



Summary:

Additional large scale randomized controlled trials are needed for a better understanding of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions. Future research should look at optimizing mindfulness-based interventions for specific settings and patient populations, as well as dissemination and implementation.



Keywords: addictive behavior; behavior change; mindfulness; mindfulness-based interventions.



PMID: 33585158 PMCID: PMC7879483 (available on  2021-06-01) DOI: 10.1007/s40429-020-00302-2