Psychology of Addictive Behaviors
August 28, 2006
Sarah Bowen, Katie Witkiewitz, Tiara Dillworth et al.
495 citations
A Vipassana meditation course given in jail led to significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine use after release, compared to standard treatment. Participants also experienced fewer alcohol-related problems and psychiatric symptoms, along with improvements in positive psychosocial outcomes. The findings suggest mindfulness-based practices offer a viable alternative for individuals who have not succeeded with or do not wish to attend traditional addiction treatments.
Psychol Addict Behav
October 26, 2017
Adam D. Wilson, Corey R. Roos, Charles S. Robinson et al.
42 citations
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly used to treat addictive behaviors, with over a dozen protocols now available. This review outlines the evidence for their efficacy and the mechanisms thought to underlie their effects. It also identifies unresolved implementation issues, including a lack of clear guidelines for training providers, adapting the traditional two-hour closed-cohort group format, delivering MBIs one-on-one, timing interventions at different stages of behavior change, using technology-based platforms, and enabling precision medicine. The authors suggest specific research directions to increase access to MBIs for clinicians and clients.
BMC complementary medicine and therapies
April 4, 2024
Michael Christopher, Sarah Bowen, Katie Witkiewitz et al.
9 citations
Law enforcement officers face high stress that harms mental health and can lead to aggression and excessive force. A multi-site, randomized, single-blind clinical feasibility trial tested mindfulness-based resilience training (MBRT) against stress management education and a no-intervention control. The study aimed to refine protocols for a future full-scale trial. Recruitment, retention, and acceptability of MBRT were high, and assessment and intervention protocols were delivered with fidelity. Several physiological and self-report measures showed responsiveness to change. These results prepare for a larger trial testing whether MBRT improves officer health and resilience and reduces aggression and excessive use of force, benefiting communities.