Reducing Cravings: Implications for Treating Addictions Mindfully

Recent research on addiction and mindfulness-based treatments has shown that negative affect and cravings are key indicators of the probability one will relapse (Witkiewitz, Lustyk, & Bowen, 2013). Despite current evidenced-based treatments, relapse rates remain relatively high, at approximately 40-60% according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA; 2010). Mindfulness- based practice may be useful when treating substance abuse disorders; however, little research has examined the specific relationship (Bowen, Witkiewitz, Chawla, & Grow, 2011). Findings from several studies demonstrate that a reduction in cravings and a decrease in negative affect (Rogojanski, Vettese, & Antony, 2011; Witkiewitz et al., 2013) occur when mindfulness-based practices are utilized. This paper will present an overview of the integration of mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of substance abuse disorders.