Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Opioid Use

Mindfulness-based interventions for substance use are usually led by highly trained therapists.

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 usually led by experienced psychologists or therapists who have special training in mindfulness and who use a standard mindfulness curriculum. In a 2024 systematic review, it was noted that mindfulness-based interventions are typically delivered by “specifically selected clinicians with intensive… training and supervision instead of front-line clinicians.” Mindfulness sessions are often co-facilitated by two clinicians.