Mindfulness-Based Recovery in Veterans
Condition: Substance Abuse; Depression; Anxiety Disorder
MeSH terms: Substance-Related Disorders; Anxiety Disorders
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study will provide important information concerning the used of mindfulness-based
      relapse prevention (MBRP) as a continuing care strategy for Veterans who have completed
      primary treatment for a SUD. Most research is focused on the acute care of SUDs, but the risk
      of relapse to substance use is highest during the period immediately following treatment and
      attention to continuing care is critical. If this trial demonstrates that MBRP promotes
      sustained abstinence and improved functional outcomes, this will provide a valuable treatment
      to facilitate rehabilitation and recovery for Veterans with SUDs.
    

Detailed description: 
      Rates of substance use disorders (SUDS) are high among military personnel and Veterans. While
      much research is focused on the acute care of SUDs, the risk of relapse to substance use
      following treatment is high and attention to continuing care is critical. New continuing care
      strategies targeting life-style change and improved coping mechanisms are important in
      facilitating maintenance of abstinence, promoting rehabilitation and functional recovery for
      Veterans with SUDs. Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP), a manualized treatment
      integrating cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention therapy with mindfulness practices, has
      shown promise in continuing care for SUDs. The proposed project will compare MBRP to a
      12-Step Facilitation treatment as a continuing care strategy following primary treatment for
      SUDs. Participants will be randomized to participate in 8-weeks of weekly 90-minute,
      group-based MBRP or 12-Step Facilitation followed by a 10-month follow-up period with regular
      assessments of substance use, mood/anxiety symptoms, quality of life and functional outcomes.
      Two VAMC sites (Charleston and Tuscaloosa) with a history of successful collaboration will
      work together to recruit an adequate sample size to address the primary study questions
      within a 4-year period and to ensure generalizability of the results. If this trial
      demonstrates that MBRP promotes sustained abstinence and improved functional outcomes, this
      will provide a valuable treatment to facilitate rehabilitation and recovery for Veterans with
      SUDs.
    

Intervention name(s): Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP); Twelve-Step Facilitation Intervention (TSF)
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Each session has a central theme/topic and consists of in-session experiential practice, discussions and homework assignments. Sessions begin with a check-in followed by a 20-30 minute meditation (i.e. body scan). The therapist reviews homework assignments, discusses challenges and participants are taught a variety of MM practices such as breath meditation, urge surfing, walking or movement meditation.; The primary goal is to promote abstinence by facilitating the patient's acceptance and surrender of addiction. Sessions begin with a check-in during which participants introduce themselves, report on meeting attendance and participation in related activities, any alcohol/drug use or craving to use. The remainder of the session focuses on discussion of the topic content followed by a "take home" summary and homework assignment.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: substance abuse; Mental Health Disorders