Mindfulness meditation and substance use in an incarcerated population.
Sarah Bowen, Katie Witkiewitz, Tiara Dillworth, Neharika Chawla, Tracy L. Simpson, Brian D. Ostafin, Mary E. Larimer, Arthur W. Blume, George A. Parks, G. Alan Marlatt
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors August 28, 2006 DOI: 10.1037/0893-164x.20.3.343 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Quasi-experimental with treatment-as-usual control condition Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Incarcerated population |
| Topics | Addiction Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychosocial Clinical psychology Substance abuse Psychiatry Population |
| Citations | 495 |
| Key finding | Vipassana meditation course participants showed significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine use, decreases in alcohol-related problems and psychiatric symptoms, and increases in positive psychosocial outcomes compared to a treatment-as-usual control condition. |
Abstract
Despite the availability of various substance abuse treatments, alcohol and drug misuse and related negative consequences remain prevalent. Vipassana meditation (VM), a Buddhist mindfulness-based practice, provides an alternative for individuals who do not wish to attend or have not succeeded with traditional addiction treatments. In this study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of a VM course on substance use and psychosocial outcomes in an incarcerated population. Results indicate that after release from jail, participants in the VM course, as compared with those in a treatment-as-usual control condition, showed significant reductions in alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine use. VM participants showed decreases in alcohol-related problems and psychiatric symptoms as well as increases in positive psychosocial outcomes. The utility of mindfulness-based treatments for substance use is discussed.