USE OF MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION ON INDIVIDUALS WITH OPIOID ADDICTION abstract

Background: Existing literature does documents partial success with existing intervention methods for craving management in individuals with substance addictions, but, over the years there has been a surge of interest in exploring mindfulness- based interventions in substance use. Traditionally, MBSR has been extensively used in stress and chronic pain management. Aim: Present study examines MBSR role in substance craving in OUD. Methods: Following a pre-post with control design, this study involved a sample (N=200) of treatment seeking adult males with OUD, selected through convenient sampling from de-addiction centers at Aizawl city of Mizoram, India. After obtaining institutional ethics approval and informed consent, enrolled participants, were allocated in to two groups, Intervention and Control, in equal numbers using draw-of-lots method. OCS and CEQ were used as outcome measures. MBSR sessions were demonstrated to Intervention group only, with both groups allowed to continue with their Treatment-As-Usual (TAU). Assessments conducted at Baseline, Post training and at Follow-up; on outcome measures and results were compared, using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings suggest significant and substantial improvement in all outcome measures for intervention group. The group, which received MBSR training, exhibits noticeable and sustained decrease in craving, at post-intervention, with these improvements was maintained even at follow-up assessment. Conclusion: MBSR program is effective in addressing craving issues in OUD. Such intervention methods could be further explored for use as adjunct therapy in SUD.