The effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behaviour therapy (MiCBT) on the experience of addiction

The excessive use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is a significant public health problem in Australia at the current time, and the development and evaluation of effective AOD treatments is currently highly relevant. Though research investigating the implementation of mindfulness training as a treatment for AOD addiction has been scarce, results to date have supported the use of mindfulness-based interventions as a treatment for AOD addiction and have recommended that further research be conducted in this area. The current study examined the efficacy of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT), compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU), in reducing the distress and impairment associated with AOD addiction, and in increasing levels of well-being among a sample of AOD treatment-users. Thirty-four participants completed the eight-week treatment period; and completed dependent measures at baseline, post-treatment, and six-month follow-up. Participants who received MiCBT exhibited greater improvement over time, in terms of decreases in scores on the Depression scale of the DASS-21, than participants who did not receive MiCBT. Participants who received MiCBT also displayed lower levels of severity of dependence than those who did not receive MiCBT, across all time points. Differences between groups on other measures failed to reach statistical significance, however an exploration of differences between groups in effect sizes for change over time revealed that MiCBT has an additional effect over and above the treatment effect achieved by TAU. It was concluded that MiCBT is a viable option for inclusion in AOD treatment programs.