Abstract
Objectives
High relapse rates following a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment highlight the importance of effective therapies. The mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) program stands as a potentially effective group-based treatment. The present study examines the feasibility and effectiveness of an individualized adaptation of the MBRP (I-MBRP).
Methods
The feasibility of the I-MBRP was examined according to eight dimensions: demand, acceptability, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, expansion, and effectiveness. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to examine the I-MBRP program’s effectiveness compared to individual relaxation training (I-RT). A sample of 108 Spanish detoxified outpatients in treatment as usual (TAU) treatment (i.e., relapse prevention program) for SUDs were randomized to a TAU + I-MBRP group (n = 54) or TAU + I-RT group (n = 54). Participants completed self-reports measuring substance use, craving, impulsivity, well-being, and mindfulness at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up at 2 months and 4 months.
Results
I-MBRP was feasible in all domains. The I-MBRP, compared with the I-RT, significantly reduced the frequency of substance use and craving and improved mindfulness skills at the end of treatment. The benefits were maintained at 4 months.
Conclusions
I-MBRP is a feasible program for the SUD treatment as a complementary treatment to TAU interventions and shows potential effects on relapse prevention.
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Data Availability
Data (without demographics due to participant’s privacy), scripts, and additional information are available at https://osf.io/f8meb/?view_only=0070bb431d204abf840245ae2fc85d24.
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AL designed the study, assisted with data analyses, and wrote and edited the manuscript. OL performed the data analyses and wrote and edited the manuscript. CGR assisted with data analyses and wrote and edited the manuscript. ACP collaborated on writing and editing the preliminary version of the draft manuscript.
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Massaro, A.F., Lecuona, O., García-Rubio, C. et al. Bringing Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Substance Use Disorders into Individual Therapy with Spanish Population: a Feasibility and Effectiveness Study. Mindfulness 13, 766–785 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01835-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01835-5