Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Methadone Maintenance: A Feasibility Trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Addiction Medicine
• Mindfulness Research

Background:

• Opiate misuse presents significant health and financial burdens.
• Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is an established treatment for opiate addiction.
• Supplemental psychosocial interventions for MMT patients are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) for MMT clients.
• To inform future protocol development for MBRP in this population.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed.
• Fifteen adults from a methadone clinic participated in a 6-week MBRP course.
• Feasibility and acceptability were assessed via focus groups and satisfaction surveys; preliminary efficacy was measured using self-report outcomes (depression, anxiety, craving, PTSD, experiential avoidance) at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• MBRP demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among MMT clients.
• Significant reductions were observed in depression, craving, and trauma symptoms from baseline to post-intervention.
• All primary outcome measures showed changes in the anticipated direction.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of MBRP for individuals in MMT.
• Preliminary efficacy data suggest MBRP may be beneficial for reducing psychological distress and craving in this population.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger trials.