Mindfulness meditation in the treatment of substance use disorders and preventing future relapse: Neurocognitive mechanisms a

Course overview

This peer reviewed article discusses the emerging evidence that suggests that mindfulness training can target neurocognitive mechanisms to produce significant therapeutic effects on SUDs and prevent relapse. The purpose of this article is to review the cognitive, affective, and neural mechanisms underlying the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on SUDs. The etiology of addiction and neurocognitive processes related to the development and maintenance of SUDs are discussed. Evidence supporting use of MBIs for intervening in SUDs and preventing relapse is explored. Finally, the authors provide clinical recommendations about how these therapeutic mechanisms might be applied to intervening in SUDs and preventing relapse.