A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mindfulness and Acceptance Group Therapy for Residential Substance Use Patients.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether a 4-week adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group therapy could improve cravings, psychological flexibility, and dispositional mindfulness in patients undergoing residential substance use treatment.
Results Summary
The study found no statistically significant differences between the mindfulness group and treatment-as-usual at discharge, but small effect sizes favored the mindfulness group for cravings and psychological flexibility.
Population
Patients (N = 117) from a private residential substance use facility.
Effective Dosage
Eight sessions over 4 weeks.
Duration
4 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group therapy | no change | substance use cravings | patients in residential substance use treatment | - | did not statistically differ | #1 |
adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group therapy | no change | psychological flexibility | patients in residential substance use treatment | - | did not statistically differ | #2 |
adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group therapy | no change | dispositional mindfulness | patients in residential substance use treatment | - | did not statistically differ | #3 |
adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group therapy | decrease | cravings | patients in residential substance use treatment | small effect sizes | small effect sizes favored | #4 |
adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group therapy | increase | psychological flexibility | patients in residential substance use treatment | small effect sizes | small effect sizes favored | #5 |
BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders are understood as a chronically relapsing condition that is difficult to treat. However, in recent years there have been promising developments in the treatment of substance use disorders, specifically with interventions based on mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy. Little research has examined whether these types of interventions may positively impact residential substance use treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES: Thus, in the current study we developed and examined, in a randomized controlled trial, a 4-week, eight-session, adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group therapy for patients in residential substance use treatment. Our primary outcomes were substance use cravings, psychological flexibility, and dispositional mindfulness at treatment discharge. METHODS: Patients (N = 117) from a private residential substance use facility were randomized to receive the adjunctive mindfulness and acceptance group or treatment-as-usual. Patients were assessed at treatment intake and at discharge from a 28-30-day residential program. RESULTS: Although treatment groups did not statistically differ at discharge on any primary outcome, small effect sizes favored the mindfulness and acceptance group on cravings and psychological flexibility. Conclusions/Importance: Continued research is needed to determine whether the addition of mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions improve outcomes long term following residential substance use treatment.