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Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviors

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviors | S.E.T. Therapy Programs at CNS Integrated Behavioral Health & Medicine

 

Program Description

The Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviors1 (“MBRP”) program was developed at the University of Washington Addictive Behaviors Research Center, with funding by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The program integrates mindfulness meditation practices with traditional cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention skills. The treatment is delivered in 8 weekly 2-hour sessions, following a structured format. Each session has a central theme addressing specific relapse prevention skills and integrating mindfulness practices into daily life. Themes include topics such as “automatic pilot,” cravings, thoughts and emotions that can lead to triggers, and using mindfulness to cultivate self-care and lifestyle balance. Treatment is delivered in a closed-group format.

Supported by Research

A Pilot Efficacy Trial2 indicates that MBRP participants showed an average 86% decrease in use of alcohol and other drugs for each two-month period of follow-up vs. the “treatment as usual participants” who utilized standard outpatient after-care designed to maintain abstinence through a 12-step, process oriented format.

Further research regarding the efficacy of this program can be found on the Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention website at: http://www.mindfulrp.com/Research.html

 

Is this Program Right for You?

    • Have you recently completed inpatient or outpatient treatment for substance use disorders?
    • Are you looking for state-of-the-art relapse prevention skills?
    • Are you looking for ways to find more balance in your emotions and behaviors?

 

References:

  1. Bowen, S., Chawlas, N. and Marlatt, G.A. (2011). Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for addictive behaviors. New York, NY:  Guilford Press 2011.
  2. Bowen, S., Chawla, N., Collins, S., Witkiewitz, K., Hsu, S., Grow, J., Cliafasefi, S., Garner, M., Douglass, A., Larimer, M., & Marlatt, G.A. (2009) Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for substance use disorders: A pilot efficacy trial.  Substance Abuse, 30, 205-305.