Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Opioid Use

Mindfulness-based interventions for substance use are mostly used in outpatient settings, although mindfulness skills can be used by patients anywhere and anytime.

Evidence for the intervention

Evidence for mindfulness-based interventions for persons with substance use disorders comes from multiple randomized control trials, which have been summarized in systematic reviews and meta-analyses; in these trials, the interventions are typically delivered by highly trained research staff. The evidence for mindfulness-based interventions for persons with opioid use disorder primarily comes from studies testing it as an adjunctive intervention, as delivered by highly trained clinicians. Studies consistently find that mindfulness-based interventions help reduce alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioid use when delivered by highly trained clinicians and when delivered in combination with medication for opioid use disorder. There is limited evidence for its use when delivered by front-line clinicians in busy clinical settings, and no data supporting its use as a stand-alone treatment for opioid use disorder.

Evidence-based Scale

Most of the prior work on mindfulness-based interventions for substance use has been conducted in outpatient settings, with growing empirical support in settings that dispense medication for opioid use disorder and settings that treat patients with chronic pain. To date, only a few studies have looked at its use in residential treatment programs. A recent review concluded that ideal settings for continued study and implementation of mindfulness-based interventions include primary care and specialty care settings such as multidisciplinary pain clinics, opioid treatment programs, and community mental health agencies. Mindfulness skills can and should also be practiced by patients outside of scheduled sessions for full effectiveness.