Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Opioid Use

Mindfulness-based interventions for substance use are typically at least eight weeks in duration.

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

The duration of mindfulness-based interventions for substance use is typically at least eight weeks, with some studies offering phased treatment that begins with introductory mindfulness-based skills followed by more intensive participation in a mindfulness-based behavior change program. Group sessions are generally two hours each week, for a total curriculum of about 16 hours, with some programs offering slightly shorter or longer sessions.