Addictive Behavior Change and Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Current Research and Future Directions

Purpose of ReviewAddictive behaviors are difficult to change and result in high rates of relapse following change attempts. A number of effective treatment approaches have been developed to treat addictive behaviors (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapies). More recently, there has been an increase in the development and evaluation of mindfulness-based interventions for addictive behaviors. This article discusses the history of mindfulness-based interventions for addictive behaviors and recent advances in treatment.Recent FindingsMindfulness-based interventions are as effective as existing evidence-based treatments for addictive behaviors. Further understanding of the neurobiological changes that occur could help identify the components of mindfulness-based interventions that are most helpful and which individuals may benefit most from mindfulness-based intervention.SummaryAdditional large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed for a better understanding of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions. Future research should look at optimizing mindfulness-based interventions for specific settings and patient populations, as well as dissemination and implementation.