Mindfulness-based relapse prevention is used to improve addiction recovery following initial treatment. It incorporates evidence-based cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness techniques. It can help prevent relapse by enhancing awareness of thoughts and feelings and teaching coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers.
- Mindfulness-based relapse prevention is used to help people in addiction recovery to continue developing coping strategies and prevent relapse, following the completion of initial treatment.
- MBRP can be an effective intervention for many, helping reduce cravings, develop healthy actions, and prevent relapse.
- MBRP involves techniques and exercises such as meditation, body scans, group discussions, skills development, and self-guided practice.
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What is mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP)?
Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) is an approach to substance use disorder relapse prevention that can be utilized by people in recovery, often following the completion of an initial inpatient or outpatient treatment program. [1]
MBRP was developed by Bowen, Chawla, and Marlatt in 2010, at the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington. It integrates mindfulness techniques with cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention skills to help people in addiction recovery. [2]
Mindfulness is a practice used to develop awareness of the self, surroundings, and current moment, helping people to be more present and focused on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Developing the skill of mindfulness can take time and can be practiced in various ways, including meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. [3]
Mindfulness-based approaches can be a helpful addition to the treatment of various mental and physical health conditions, including substance use disorders and relapse prevention.
MBRP can help during recovery by encouraging individuals to recognize their mental and physical feelings in each moment and respond to them using cognitive-behavioral strategies to create and maintain healthy behaviors. [4]
How MBRP differs from traditional relapse prevention
Traditional relapse prevention involves cognitive behavioral techniques to help recognize and adapt addictive behaviors. MBRP involves these strategies but also includes the use of mindfulness techniques which help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and improve their ability to implement positive coping strategies. [5]
Key components of mindfulness-based relapse prevention
A highly trained and qualified professional typically delivers MBRP, with a background in mental health, appropriate training, and experience in mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral interventions. [4]
The program is often delivered over eight weeks, with a two-hour group session per week, each focused on a central theme of relapse prevention. Each session incorporates a guided meditation session of 20 to 30 minutes, group exercises and discussions, and learning new mindfulness skills to utilize in daily and high-risk situations. People are also given exercises to complete as homework, to practice in their own time.[2][6]
Group discussions involve exploring the exercises practiced and how they can be utilized to benefit recovery. These sessions aim to help develop personal awareness of thoughts and feelings, improve the ability to recognize and respond to triggers, and accumulate strategies to manage cravings and challenges throughout recovery to help prevent relapse. [4]
Techniques and exercises used in MBRP
The techniques and exercises used in MBRP sessions are based on the following eight themes: [2]
- Automatic pilot and relapse
- Awareness of thoughts and emotions related to triggers and cravings
- Mindfulness practices in daily life
- Mindfulness practices in high-risk situations
- Balancing acceptance and skillful action
- The role of thoughts in relapse
- Balancing self-care and lifestyle
- Building social support and continuing mindfulness practices
Exercises
Included within these themes are techniques such as: [4][6]
- Guided meditation, facilitated by the therapist within the session or with pre-recorded meditation to practice at home
- Body scans, breathing exercises, and practicing awareness of the senses
- Group discussions about triggers and cravings and how to implement healthier reactions
- Practicing mindfulness techniques to improve awareness of current thoughts and emotions in daily life and high-risk situations
- Exploring how thoughts and emotions impact relapse risk
- Practicing how to observe thoughts from a neutral point of view
- Discussing how to implement and maintain healthy lifestyle habits and self-care
- Reflecting on personal experiences and how new practices and skills have been developed
Who can benefit from MBRP?
MBRP is designed to be used as an element of aftercare for individuals who have undertaken initial substance use disorder treatment, such as inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. People can benefit from MBRP after treatment when they have reached abstinence and are committed to maintaining and improving their recovery process and preventing relapse. [7]
Challenges and limitations of MBRP
Some potential challenges and limitations of MBRP include:
- A need for therapists with a high level of training and experience in mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and substance use issues, which may not always be available.
- Some people may require additional treatments to manage complex triggers or underlying issues.
- The delivery of MBRP can vary depending on professional, and personal needs as well as other factors and should be tailored to each individual.
- Some people may not be able or willing to engage in mindfulness activities and therefore might experience little or no benefit.
- MBRP requires a commitment to consistent practice which may be challenging to maintain.
How to access MBRP programs
Speaking with your local behavioral health provider or substance use disorder specialist can help you find a treatment program that utilizes MBRP. Additionally, you can look at the Recovered rehab directory to find a local center that provides MBRP programs.
You can also look online for more information about mindfulness and how to begin practicing mindfulness exercises at home.
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