NCT02326363

Mindfulness-Based Recovery in Veterans

Mindfulness-Based Recovery in Veterans With Substance Use Disorders

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 204 (actual)
• Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development · Federal
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Conditions

• Substance Abuse
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Twelve-Step Facilitation Intervention (TSF)	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2015-03-16
• Primary completion: 2018-10-29
• Completion: 2018-10-29
• First posted: 2014-12-29
• Last updated: 2021-02-10
• Results posted: 2020-07-10

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: United States