Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Opioid Use

Mindfulness-based interventions for substance use are typically delivered through virtual or in-person group therapy sessions.

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 often delivered in a group format, either as intact groups (all patients enrolled at the same time) or with rolling admission. Group therapy that allows rolling admission has generally been found to be a more feasible format for many patients to attend.