Mindfulness-based relapse prevention – A meta-analysis

Abstract

Addiction is of varied types and over the years the focus has not only been on the growing issues of addiction but also on how to prevent relapse on recovering clients. According to Buddhist teaching craving is the cause of suffering and suffering festers itself due to attachment. Once an individual is enlightened he will be able to find a path that ceases such suffering. Mindfulness helps bring about such enlightenment through being conscious and reflective of every moment’s experience. Mindfulness does not stop at being aware alone but extends its teaching to accepting such experiences as they are and letting go. Relapse prevention has long been researched on and new therapies developed to facilitate the same. This conceptual paper looks at how Mindfulness-based relapse prevention therapy works to prevent relapses. The paper focuses on understanding each of the eight-week therapy process and how it progresses in changing thoughts and reducing stress. The paper shows how Mindfulness-based relapse prevention helps clients understand their craving and how to change thoughts in order to deal with a craving thus preventing relapse.

Keywords

• relapse prevention
• mindfulness-based relapse prevention therapy
• addiction
• substance abuse
• meditation