Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) significantly reduced drug use and heavy drinking after 1 year in a trial of 286 participants randomized to receive 3 different aftercare interventions (Bowen S et al. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71[5]:547-556). Among individuals with substance abuse disorders who get treatment, 40% to 60% will relapse within 1 year.
The participants were randomized to 8 weekly group sessions of MBRP, which teaches patients to be aware of environmental cues and affective and physical states that can trigger relapse and to relate to them differently; treatment as usual based on the 12-step program; or cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention (CBRP) treatment stressing coping skills, problem solving, goal setting, and social support.