Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Opioid Use

The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for substance use may vary based on group composition, with some studies suggesting that groups with similar identity characteristics may be most beneficial.

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

Prior studies suggest that mindfulness-based interventions for substance use may be most effective when groups are composed predominantly of participants who have similar levels of baseline substance use and mental health concerns, and who share similar identity characteristics.

When making decisions about which populations to offer mindfulness-based interventions for substance use to, it is important to note that some populations may respond differently to mindfulness-based interventions than others. For instance, one study found that among persons identifying as white, mindfulness-based interventions were more effective in preventing relapse due to heavy drinking. In contrast, among persons identifying as from racial/ethnic minority groups, mindfulness-based interventions were more effective in preventing relapse due to drug use. Another study found that mindfulness-based interventions were especially effective among persons with high severity of substance use, depression, and anxiety symptoms. It is important to note that relatively few studies have examined for whom and under what circumstances mindfulness-based interventions are most effective.

Some mindfulness-based interventions may not be covered by public healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, presenting an additional financial barrier for many patients with substance use disorder.