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

  • Emotion and Addiction (K Morie, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA

    Frank J. Schwebel & Katie Witkiewitz

  2. Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA

    J. Richard Korecki & Katie Witkiewitz

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  1. Frank J. Schwebel
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Correspondence to Frank J. Schwebel.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Emotion and Addiction

FJS was supported by a training grant (T32AA018108) from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

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Schwebel, F.J., Korecki, J.R. & Witkiewitz, K. Addictive Behavior Change and Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Current Research and Future Directions. Curr Addict Rep 7, 117–124 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-020-00302-2

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