Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Opioid Use

Mindfulness-based interventions for substance use are most commonly used among persons in recovery from substance use disorders as a means of maintaining recovery and preventing relapse.

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

Mindfulness-based interventions for substance use are generally recommended for persons who have completed an initial round of addiction treatment and are seeking support in maintaining their recovery and preventing a recurrence of substance use. Some studies in opioid treatment programs have attempted to balance patient stability with patient need, by focusing on patients who have been in treatment for a sustained period of time (typically at least four weeks) but who have a less “clinically stable status” based on continued symptoms of mental health distress (e.g., anxiety or depression) and/or substance use.