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Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is a therapeutic technique developed based on two other techniques: Relapse Prevention Therapy and MIndfulness Based Stress Reduction. In terms of MBRP, the technique is meant to act as an intervention for people struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

  1. Mindfulness

    • According to the article, "Mindfulness Practice: Balancing Quality of Life with Effective Living" by Bob Sanfilippo and Diana Brown, mindfulness is a quality of consciousness in which a person is intentionally aware of their awareness in a non-judgmental way. Essentially, mindfulness is paying attention, but doing so without negativity or expectation. Mindfulness has been practiced by Buddhists and other spiritual groups of thousands of years and is an important aspect of MBRP. For those recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, the development of mindfulness can help reduce their stress levels, recognize cravings and urges without giving into them, and avoid self-criticism and judgment.

    Relapse Prevention

    • According to the website of Lisa Dale Miller, a mindfulness-based psychotherapist, MBPR is offered as an 8-week course for people who have been sober for 30 days or longer. The overall goal of the course is "to support clients and promote vital lifestyle modifications for a healthy life of recovery." The course uses mindfulness training through meditation as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. Meditation has been shown to improve individual's responses to stress and conflict, as well as increase a sense of well-being and confidence. Cognitive behavioral therapy works on reducing negative thought patterns and giving way to logic and addiction-free thought. Cognitive behavioral therapy also seeks to reduce destructive behaviors by helping people gain control of their responses to stress and other conditions that may have contributed to their former addictions.

    Other Uses

    • In addition to preventing relapse by people coping with drug and alcohol abuse, varieties of MBRP are also being used to help treat depression, smoking and other addictive behaviors. According to the UC San Diego Medical Center website, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy has been scientifically proven as an effective method to prevent relapse in people suffering from depression. The video series "Mindfulness for Addiction Problems" by G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D., focuses on the usage of mindfulness and cognitive therapy to treat various types of addictions.

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