Mindfulness Therapy (MT) for Addiction: Definition, Types, Uses, Techniques, and Benefits

Mindfulness therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on cultivating present-moment awareness, non-judgmental acceptance, and a compassionate, self-reflective approach to managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, particularly in the context of addiction, mental health, personal growth, and overall well-being.

The primary aims of mindfulness therapy are to cultivate present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion during addiction treatment. A meta-analysis of 209 studies involving over 12,000 participants concluded that mindfulness-based therapies led to significant improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being compared to control conditions.

The types of Mindfulness Therapy (MT) include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP).

Mindfulness Therapy (MT) has been used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, and stress-related disorders, as well as to promote overall well-being, emotional regulation, and improved quality of life.

The techniques used in Mindfulness Therapy (MT) include meditation, focused attention, open monitoring, body awareness, breath work, acceptance, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.

Mindfulness Therapy (MT) is effective in the treatment of addiction by helping individuals develop greater self-awareness, reduce cravings and urges, increase cognitive control, and foster the skills necessary for long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

What is Mindfulness Therapy (MT) for Addiction?

Mindfulness Therapy (MT) is an integrative approach to the treatment of addictive disorders that draws upon the principles and practices of mindfulness meditation. At the core of MT for addiction is the cultivation of present-moment, non-judgmental awareness – the ability to observe one’s internal experiences, such as cravings, urges, emotions, and thought patterns, as they arise, without automatically acting upon them.

The foundational premise of MT is that many addictive behaviors stem from a lack of awareness and a tendency to react habitually to uncomfortable internal states, rather than responding to them consciously. By training the mind to stay grounded in the here and now, MT helps individuals develop a decentered perspective on their thoughts and feelings.

MT helps individuals with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions to:

• Recognize and disrupt automatic, ingrained patterns of addictive thinking and behavior
• Tolerate and “ride out” cravings and urges without acting upon them
• Respond to difficult emotions and life stressors with greater flexibility and resilience
• Foster self-acceptance and self-care to support the recovery process

Numerous empirical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating mindfulness practices into the treatment of addiction. For example, the systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 studies by Sancho et al., (2018), titled, Mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of substance and behavioral addictions, found that mindfulness-based treatments were associated with reductions in substance use, cravings, and relapse rates compared to control conditions. 

History and Development of Mindfulness Therapy

The roots of Mindfulness Therapy (MT) trace back to ancient Buddhist contemplative traditions and is today widely recognized as a valuable, evidence-based approach to addressing a variety of human suffering:

1. Ancient Buddhist contemplative traditions emphasized the cultivation of present-moment, non-judgmental awareness to reduce suffering and cultivate well-being.
2. In 1979, Jon Kabat-Zinn established the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, one of the first systematic efforts to integrate mindfulness meditation into mainstream medical and psychological care.
3. In the late 1980s, Marsha Linehan incorporated mindfulness as a core component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.
4. In the 1990s, researchers Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, and John Teasdale adapted Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR model into Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), designed as a relapse prevention intervention for individuals with recurrent depression.
5. Over the following decades, the application of mindfulness-based interventions expanded to a wide range of mental health and physical health conditions, as well as in educational and workplace settings.
6. Pioneering clinicians and researchers continued to refine and adapt mindfulness-based approaches, further integrating them with other evidence-based therapies and tailoring them to specific populations and challenges.
7. Today, Mindfulness Therapy is widely recognized as a valuable, evidence-based approach to addressing a variety of human suffering, with a growing body of research supporting its efficacy.

Theoretical Foundations of Mindfulness Therapy

The theoretical foundations of Mindfulness Therapy (MT) intersect to form a cohesive framework. The Buddhist principles of mindfulness, acceptance, and non-attachment align with the cognitive-behavioral focus on modifying maladaptive thought patterns, while the neuroplasticity demonstrated through mindfulness practice provides a biological basis for the emotional regulation and meta-cognitive benefits observed in MT. 

This integration of Buddhist psychology, cognitive-behavioral theory, emotion regulation, and neuroscience underpins the comprehensive approach of Mindfulness Therapy.

1. Buddhist Psychological Theory

The Buddhist principle of mindfulness, or present-moment, non-judgmental awareness, is central to Mindfulness Therapy and helps patients develop a more flexible and adaptive relationship with their internal experiences.

• The core Buddhist principle of mindfulness, or present-moment, non-judgmental awareness, is central to MT.
• Recognizing the impermanent nature of thoughts, emotions, and the self helps patients develop a more flexible and adaptive relationship with their internal experiences.
• The concept of non-self (anatta) challenges the notion of a fixed, permanent self, encouraging patients to let go of rigid self-identities and engage more authentically with the present moment.
• The emphasis on acceptance, compassion, and the cessation of craving and aversion aligns with MT’s focus on cultivating self-acceptance and kindness.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Mindfulness Therapy shares Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’s emphasis on identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors but goes beyond simply changing thoughts and behaviors by encouraging patients to develop a more detached, non-judgmental awareness of their internal experiences.

• MT shares CBT’s emphasis on identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors.
• However, MT goes beyond simply changing thoughts and behaviors; it encourages patients to develop a more detached, non-judgmental awareness of their internal experiences.
• This meta-cognitive awareness allows patients to recognize their thoughts and emotions as transient mental events, rather than as reflections of their true selves or as fixed realities.
• By fostering this decentered perspective, patients will more effectively disengage from unhelpful cognitive and behavioral patterns.

3. Emotion Regulation Theory

Emotion Regulation Theory posits that Mindfulness Therapy promotes well-being by cultivating emotional awareness and acceptance, allowing patients to observe their emotions with clarity and non-judgment, which enhances their ability to regulate emotions effectively.

• MT recognizes the importance of emotional awareness and acceptance in promoting well-being.
• By cultivating mindfulness, patients become more attuned to their emotional experiences, without getting caught up in or overwhelmed by them.
• This enhanced emotional awareness and acceptance helps patients regulate their emotions more effectively, reducing the intensity and duration of negative emotional states.
• The self-compassion and kindness cultivated through MT also support adaptive emotion regulation by providing a buffer against self-criticism and shame.

4. Neurobiological Research

Neurobiological research provides a scientific basis for the mechanisms of Mindfulness Therapy by demonstrating the structural and functional changes in the brain associated with mindfulness practice, linking it to the observed cognitive, emotional, and behavioral benefits.

• These neurobiological changes underlie the improvements in attention, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility observed in individuals who engage in mindfulness practice.
• The neuroplasticity demonstrated through mindfulness practice suggests that the brain is capable of being “trained” to respond more adaptively to stress and challenges, contributing to the effectiveness of MT strategies.

The synergistic interplay of these theories helps to explain the mechanisms through which MT strategies effectively promote lasting change and improve the quality of life for patients.

How Does Mindfulness Therapy Work for Addiction?

When used for addiction treatment, MT works by increasing awareness and acceptance, disrupting habitual patterns, regulating emotions, managing cravings, and enhancing cognitive flexibility. This is according to a review by Holas, P., & Jankowski, T. (2017), titled, A meta-analysis of the relationship between mindfulness and alcohol use disorders:

Increased Awareness and Acceptance

MT helps individuals develop a heightened awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and cravings related to addictive behaviors. Rather than automatically reacting to these internal experiences, MT cultivates a non-judgmental awareness that allows patients to observe their experiences with curiosity and acceptance. 

This increased self-awareness is a key mechanism through which MT disrupts the cycle of addiction. By becoming more attuned to the triggers, urges, and thought patterns that precede addictive behaviors, patients start to recognize these patterns and respond to them in more adaptive ways.

Disrupting Habitual Patterns

Addictive behaviors are often driven by unconscious, habitual patterns of thinking and responding. MT teaches patients to recognize these ingrained patterns and create a space between the urge and the behavior. 

This disruption of automatic reactivity enables patients to make more conscious choices instead of impulsively engaging in addictive behaviors. By developing the ability to pause and choose how to respond, patients start to break free from the grip of their addictions.

Emotion Regulation

Addiction is frequently fueled by the desire to regulate or escape from difficult emotions. MT helps patients develop healthier emotion regulation strategies by cultivating self-compassion, acceptance, and the ability to tolerate uncomfortable feelings without resorting to substance use or other addictive behaviors. As patients learn to be present with and manage their emotions, they become less reliant on addictive coping mechanisms to numb or avoid these experiences.

Craving Management

Mindfulness practices, such as body scans and urge surfing, teach patients to observe cravings and urges with a sense of openness and curiosity, rather than automatically acting on them. This allows patients to ride out cravings without succumbing to them, reducing the power and intensity of addictive impulses over time. By developing this non-reactive awareness, patients will better manage cravings and prevent relapse.

Cognitive Flexibility

MT enhances cognitive flexibility, enabling patients to recognize and disengage from unhelpful thought patterns and behavioral routines associated with addiction. This increased cognitive flexibility supports the development of alternative, healthier coping strategies and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances without reverting to addictive behaviors. As patients become more adept at shifting their perspectives and responses, they are better equipped to navigate the recovery challenges.

A study by Xue et al (2019), titled, The effect of a mindfulness-based intervention on cognitive Flexibility, examined the impact of a mindfulness-based intervention on cognitive flexibility in individuals with substance use disorders. The researchers found that participants who underwent the mindfulness-based program showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, as measured by their performance on tasks assessing mental set-shifting and cognitive control, compared to a control group.

Relapse Prevention

The skills and attitudes cultivated through MT, such as self-awareness, acceptance, and emotional regulation, help patients better navigate the challenges and triggers encountered during recovery. This strengthens their resilience and reduces the risk of relapse, supporting long-term recovery from addiction. By equipping patients with a range of mindfulness-based tools and strategies, MT provides a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment that complements other evidence-based interventions.

A study by Witkiewitz, K., & Bowen, S. (2010), titled, Depression, Cravings, and Substance Use Following a Randomized Trial of Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention found that participants who engaged in the mindfulness-based treatment showed significant improvements in their ability to accept and regulate their emotions, which in turn led to better substance use outcomes and effective relapse prevention.

Psychological and Physiological Mechanisms of Mindfulness Therapy

Mindfulness Therapy (MT) has been shown to influence both psychological and physiological mechanisms that underlie improvements in mental health and well-being. Here are some of the key mechanisms through which MT exerts its effects:

Psychological Mechanisms

1. Attention Regulation:

• Mindfulness practices enhance the ability to sustain attention, switch attention, and inhibit the elaborative processing of thoughts and emotions.
• This improved attentional control allows individuals to disengage from automatic, maladaptive thought patterns.

2. Emotion Regulation:

• MT cultivates the skills of accepting, labeling, and letting go of emotions, rather than suppressing or ruminating on them.
• This promotes adaptive emotional responses and reduces the intensity and duration of negative affective states.

3. Cognitive Reappraisal:

• Mindfulness helps individuals reframe their perspective on stressful or challenging situations, leading to more constructive interpretations and responses.
• This cognitive flexibility reduces the impact of negative thoughts and promotes a more balanced, adaptive appraisal of experiences.

4. Self-Awareness and Insight:

• Mindfulness practice enhances self-awareness, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with greater clarity and understanding.
• This increased self-knowledge facilitates the development of self-regulation skills and the ability to make more conscious, adaptive choices.

Physiological Mechanisms

1. Autonomic Nervous System Regulation:

• MT has been shown to influence the balance between the sympathetic (stress response) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems.
• This leads to reduced physiological arousal, decreased muscle tension, and improved cardiovascular function.

2. Neuroendocrine Regulation:

• Mindfulness practices have been associated with changes in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the stress response.
• This results in decreased cortisol levels and improved regulation of the body’s stress response system.

3. Neuroplasticity:

• Mindfulness training has been linked to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in regions involved in attention, emotion regulation, and self-awareness.
• These neuroplastic changes underlie the improvements in cognitive and emotional processing observed in individuals who practice mindfulness.

4. Immune Function:

Some studies have found that mindfulness-based interventions influence the activity of the immune system, potentially leading to reduced inflammation and enhanced resistance to illness.

The integration of these mechanisms underlies the wide-ranging benefits of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of various mental health and medical conditions.

What are the Key Techniques Used in MT?

The key techniques in Mindfulness Therapy (MT) include breath awareness, body scan, mindful observation, acceptance and letting go, mindful movement, metta meditation, and mindful communication:

1. Breath Awareness

• Focusing attention on the sensations of the breath, such as the air moving in and out of the nostrils or the rise and fall of the abdomen.
• This helps cultivate present-moment awareness and anchors the mind in the immediate experience.

2. Body Scan

This technique was introduced by Kabat-Zinn (1990), in his paper titled, Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, pain, and Illness. This technique involves the systematic and non-judgmental attention to different parts of the body and works by:

• Systematically directing attention to different parts of the body, noting any sensations or physical experiences.
• Promotes bodily awareness and the ability to observe physical and emotional states.

3. Mindful Observation

• Cultivating an attitude of curious, non-judgmental observation towards thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise.
• Helps individuals develop metacognitive awareness and the ability to “step back” from automatic thought patterns.

4. Acceptance and Letting Go

• Practicing acceptance of experiences, rather than trying to control or change them.
• Letting go of attachment to thoughts, emotions, or outcomes, and allowing them to come and go without getting caught up in them.

5. Mindful Movement

• Engaging in gentle, mindful physical exercises, such as yoga or qigong, to integrate mindfulness into the body.
• Enhances body awareness and the ability to be present during physical activities.

6. Loving-Kindness (Metta) Meditation

• Cultivating feelings of compassion, kindness, and goodwill towards oneself and others.
• Helps develop self-compassion and interpersonal empathy.

Böhle et al. (2021), in the paper titled, Neuronal correlates of loving-kindness meditation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies, found that LK meditation increased self-reported feelings of love and compassion, as well as neural activity in brain regions associated with empathy and social cognition.

7. Mindful Communication

• Practicing mindful listening and speaking, with a focus on being fully present and attentive during interactions.
• Improves communication skills and relationships.

These techniques are often combined and adapted within the context of Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), to address specific clinical needs, such as addiction recovery.

How Effective is Mindfulness Therapy for Addiction? 

Mindfulness Therapy (MT) has been found to be an effective approach for treating addiction through decades of research works like the systematic review and meta-analysis by Zgierska et al. (2009), titled Mindfulness meditation for substance use disorders: a systematic review, that revealed that mindfulness-based interventions were associated with significant reductions in substance use compared to control groups.

Several other research findings supporting the benefits of mindfulness therapy in addiction treatment include:

Reduced Substance Use

• Bowen et al. (2014) conducted a randomized controlled trial that demonstrated the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for reducing substance use in individuals with substance use disorders.

Improved Emotion Regulation

• Garland et al. (2010) found that mindfulness-based treatment for alcohol dependence was associated with an increased ability to regulate negative emotions, which mediated the relationship between treatment and reduced alcohol use.
• Witkiewitz and Bowen (2010) showed that mindfulness-based therapy for substance use disorders led to improvements in emotional regulation and decreased substance use.

Reduced Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

• Brewer et al. (2009) reported that a mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement program reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid addiction.
• Enkema and Bowen (2017) found that a brief mindfulness-based intervention decreased alcohol and opioid cravings in individuals with substance use disorders.

Increased Treatment Engagement and Retention

• Owiecki et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that demonstrated mindfulness-based interventions were associated with improved treatment engagement and retention in individuals with substance use disorders.
• Shorey et al. (2014) found that a mindfulness-based intervention for substance use disorders led to increased treatment attendance and completion rates compared to a control group.

These studies provide strong evidence that Mindfulness Therapy is an effective treatment approach for addiction, with benefits ranging from reduced substance use to improved emotion regulation and treatment engagement.

What Should I Expect in a MIndfulness Therapy Session?

A mindfulness therapy session for addiction typically involves an introduction to mindfulness, guided mindfulness exercises, exploration of experiences, application of mindfulness to daily life, goal-setting and homework, and closure with next steps, all in a collaborative and introspective environment.

1. Introduction and Orientation

The session will likely begin with the therapist providing a brief overview of mindfulness and how it is applied to addiction recovery. You will discuss the rationale for using mindfulness and how it complements other treatment approaches.

2. Mindfulness Exercises

A significant portion of the session will be devoted to guided mindfulness practices, such as breath awareness meditation, body scan meditation, and open monitoring meditation. These practices are designed to cultivate present-moment attention, acceptance, and non-judgmental awareness.

3. Exploration of Experiences

After the mindfulness exercises, the therapist will invite you to share your experiences and observations. This includes discussing any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arose during the practice, as well as any insights or challenges. The therapist will help you explore the relevance of these experiences to your addiction and recovery process.

4. Application to Everyday Life

The therapist will guide you in discussing how the mindfulness skills learned in the session are applied to your daily life and recovery efforts. This includes strategies for managing cravings, regulating emotions, and responding to high-risk situations. You will practice “mini-meditations” or other mindfulness techniques that are used at the moment.

5. Goal-Setting and Homework

Towards the end of the session, you and the therapist will collaboratively set goals or intentions for practicing mindfulness between sessions. You’ll be assigned “homework” exercises, such as daily meditation practice or mindfulness-based journaling, to reinforce the skills learned in the session.

6. Closure and Next Step

The session will typically conclude with a brief recap and discussion of any lingering questions or concerns. The therapist will provide resources or recommendations for continued mindfulness practice and support.

The overall tone of a mindfulness therapy session is often calming, introspective, and collaborative. The therapist will guide you through the practices and encourage you to explore your own experiences and insights related to addiction and recovery.

How Long Does Mindfulness Therapy Take?

According to the NCBI, Mindfulness therapy sessions vary in duration, ranging from 10 minutes to 8 weeks, with different studies showing the effectiveness of different lengths:

1. Individual Mindfulness Therapy Sessions

Most individual mindfulness therapy sessions last between 30-60 minutes. The therapist will usually spend 15-30 minutes on the guided mindfulness exercises and the remaining time on discussion, exploration, and application. The frequency of these individual sessions ranges from weekly to bi-weekly, depending on the needs and preferences of the patient.

Research by Palmer et al, (2023), titled, The effect of ten versus twenty minutes of mindfulness meditation on state mindfulness and effect, indicated that both 10-minute and 20-minute mindfulness meditation sessions lead to increased state mindfulness compared to control conditions, with some differences in effects based on individual traits.

2. Mindfulness-Based Programs

Some addiction treatment programs incorporate mindfulness therapy as part of a more comprehensive curriculum. In these cases, the mindfulness component will be delivered through group sessions that last 60-90 minutes. The mindfulness-based program as a whole spans several weeks, with sessions occurring 1-2 times per week.

3. Ongoing Mindfulness Practice

Patients are typically encouraged to continue mindfulness practices on their own between therapy sessions. This involves daily meditation exercises, mindfulness journaling, or other mindfulness-based activities. The duration and frequency of this independent practice vary greatly depending on the individual’s commitment and needs.

How does mindfulness therapy compare to other psychotherapeutic approaches for addiction?

Research indicates that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), are beneficial in reducing relapse rates, managing stress, and enhancing emotional regulation in individuals with substance use disorders.

For instance, studies have found that mindfulness practices help individuals recognize and manage cravings by fostering a non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and feelings, which reduces the automatic responses that lead to substance use. This approach is particularly effective in treating addiction as it addresses the underlying psychological and emotional triggers that contribute to substance abuse (Brewer et al., 2013).

Comparatively, traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction. While CBT is effective, mindfulness-based approaches offer additional benefits by emphasizing acceptance and present-moment awareness, which leads to more sustainable changes in behavior and emotional regulation (Bowen et al., 2009).

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), another psychotherapeutic approach, incorporates mindfulness as one of its core components, along with strategies for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT has been particularly successful in treating individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use issues (Bass et al., 2014).

What are some common challenges or limitations of using mindfulness therapy for addiction?

The chalenges and limitations of using mindfulness therapy for addiction include difficulty maintaining the practice, resistance to acceptance, inability to fit with personal beliefs of patients, and several others.

• Difficulty Maintaining Practice: Regular mindfulness meditation and exercises require discipline and commitment, which is challenging for individuals struggling with addiction.
• Resistance to Acceptance: The non-judgmental, accepting stance of mindfulness is difficult for some patients who are more accustomed to fighting against or avoiding unpleasant experiences.
• Fit with Personal Beliefs: Mindfulness has roots in Eastern spiritual traditions, so it doesn’t resonate with or align with the personal beliefs and values of all patients.
• Accessibility Barriers: Access to qualified mindfulness teachers and structured mindfulness-based programs is limited, especially in certain geographic regions or for lower socioeconomic populations.
• Insufficient Duration: Brief mindfulness interventions alone don’t provide the depth of practice needed to meaningfully impact long-term addiction recovery.
• Comorbid Conditions: For patients with co-occurring mental health disorders, the mindfulness component need to be integrated carefully alongside other necessary treatments.
• Lack of Standardization: There is variability in how mindfulness is defined and implemented across different addiction treatment settings and providers.

What are the different types of mindfulness therapy used in addiction treatment?

The different types of mindfulness therapy are MBRP, MBSR, ACT, DBT, and MORE.

1. Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP):

• Focuses on teaching mindfulness skills to recognize and skillfully respond to addiction triggers and cravings.
• Combines mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral techniques.

2. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):

• Originated as a program to reduce stress and pain, but has been adapted for addiction.
• Emphasizes formal meditation practices like body scans and breath awareness.

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

• Integrates mindfulness with acceptance and commitment to values-guided behavior.
• Helps patients develop psychological flexibility and let go of unhelpful thought patterns.

4. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

• Includes a mindfulness component alongside emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
• Used to address addiction as well as co-occurring mental health conditions.

5. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE):

• Combines mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and positive psychology approaches.
• Aims to increase the savoring of natural rewards to counteract addiction-related anhedonia.

These distinct but overlapping mindfulness-based interventions provide patients with a range of options tailored to their specific needs in addiction treatment.

What are the benefits of combining Mindfulness Therapy (MT) with other treatments for addiction?

Combining Mindfulness Therapy (MT) with other treatments for addiction offers several benefits, including enhanced self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention. Integrating MT with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy provides a balanced approach that addresses both the unconscious and conscious aspects of addiction. This combination allows for comprehensive treatment that includes mindfulness practices and cognitive-behavioral strategies.

Additionally, incorporating MT into 12-step facilitation programs offers a structured support system alongside mindfulness techniques. This integrated approach supports long-term recovery by providing multiple tools and strategies to manage addiction effectively. According to the National Institutes of Health, combining MT with other treatments significantly improves outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders.