Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention in a Jail Drug Treatment Program.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent in US correctional facilities, affecting over half of the incarcerated population.
• Mindfulness, characterized by present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance, is a key component of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP).
• Prior research indicates MBRP's efficacy in reducing substance use post-treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and evaluate the feasibility of MBRP within a jail-based SUD treatment program.
• To assess the impact of MBRP on mindfulness, anxiety, PTSD, and drug craving in incarcerated individuals.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 189 incarcerated men in a jail SUD treatment program.
• Participants received either six weekly sessions of MBRP or a communication skills intervention (control).
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured mindfulness, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and drug craving.

Main Results:

• Mindfulness was inversely correlated with anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and drug cravings at baseline.
• Both interventions led to significant reductions in anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and cravings, alongside increased mindfulness.
• The MBRP group demonstrated a statistically significant, albeit small, greater increase in mindfulness compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention is a feasible intervention within a jail setting.
• Culturally competent delivery of MBRP by trained facilitators is achievable in correctional environments.
• The findings support the potential of MBRP as a valuable tool for managing SUDs in incarcerated populations.