Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for alcohol dependence: Findings from a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Addiction research
• Clinical psychology
• Mindfulness-based interventions

Background:

• Alcohol dependence is a significant public health issue.
• Early recovery is a critical period for relapse prevention.
• Mindfulness-based interventions show promise in various mental health applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Alcohol Dependence (MBRP-A) in reducing alcohol consumption and related consequences.
• To compare MBRP-A combined with usual care against usual care alone in alcohol-dependent adults during early recovery.

Main Methods:

• 123 alcohol-dependent adults in early recovery were randomized into MBRP-A (n=64) or control (n=59) groups.
• The MBRP-A group received eight weekly sessions and home practice, alongside usual care.
• Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 26 weeks post-intervention using repeated measures analysis.

Main Results:

• Analysis included 112 participants; no significant differences in drinking or related consequences were found between MBRP-A and control groups at 26 weeks.
• Relapse rates were low in both groups, with three participants in the MBRP-A group reporting relapse.
• Greater adherence to MBRP-A sessions and home practice was associated with improved outcomes.

Conclusions:

• MBRP-A as an adjunct to usual care did not demonstrate superior outcomes for alcohol dependence in early recovery compared to usual care alone.
• While the overall intervention did not show significant group differences, adherence to MBRP-A may be a key factor for improved long-term drinking-related outcomes.
• Further research may explore optimizing adherence to maximize the benefits of MBRP-A.