Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a mindfulness-based relapse prevention program in a naturalistic setting among treatment-seeking patients with alcohol use disorder: a prospective observational study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) in reducing craving and improving quality of life and psychological flexibility in French patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Results Summary
Participants showed significant reductions in craving, alcohol use, depression, and anxiety, along with increased mindfulness and psychological flexibility at 6 months. Most participants incorporated mindfulness into daily life, with sustained practice rates of 49-69% for formal and 64-80% for informal practice at follow-up.
Population
Adult outpatients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in France (n=52).
Effective Dosage
8-week MBRP programme (eight sessions).
Duration
8 weeks (with 6-month follow-up).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | no change | acceptability and feasibility | patients with a current AUD | null | showed good acceptability and feasibility | #1 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | decrease | craving | patients with a current AUD | null | seemed to improve | #2 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | increase | mindfulness | patients with a current AUD | null | seemed to improve | #3 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | increase | psychological flexibility | patients with a current AUD | null | seemed to improve | #4 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | decrease | craving | participants | null | reported a significant reduction in | #5 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | decrease | days of alcohol use | participants | null | reported a significant reduction in | #6 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | decrease | depression | participants | null | reported a significant reduction in | #7 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | decrease | anxiety | participants | null | reported a significant reduction in | #8 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | increase | mindfulness | participants | null | reported an increase in | #9 |
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme | increase | psychological flexibility | participants | null | reported an increase in | #10 |
OBJECTIVES: Cultural differences between the USA and France led us to examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy data on craving, quality of life and psychological flexibility of the add-on Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme in alcohol use disorder (AUD) in France. DESIGN: We conducted a prospective observational study with a 6-month follow-up. SETTING: The study was performed in a naturalistic setting with adult outpatients from an addiction department. PARTICIPANTS: We included all patients with a current AUD who participated in the MBRP programme (n=52). There was no non-inclusion criterion. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention was an 8-week MBRP programme, combining elements of traditional relapse prevention cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness meditation training. This was an eight-session closed-group programme. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were the number of attended treatment sessions, home practice frequency and dropout rate. Secondary outcomes were changes in craving, quality of life, psychological flexibility, drinking outcomes, depression, anxiety and mindfulness levels. RESULTS: The average number of completed sessions was 6.6 (SD: 1.9). Most participants introduced mindfulness meditation into their everyday lives: 69% and 49% of included patients maintained formal practice at 3 and 6 months, respectively, and 80% and 64% maintained informal practice at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Most participants used mindfulness techniques to face high-risk situations (56% at 6 months). Participants reported a significant reduction in craving, days of alcohol use, depression and anxiety and an increase in mindfulness and psychological flexibility at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The MBRP programme showed good acceptability and feasibility. MBRP seemed to improve craving, mindfulness and psychological flexibility. Comparative studies are needed to evaluate the programme's efficacy in AUD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2200863 v 0.