Overview of Selected Article
Article Selected: Ramadas, et al, (2021). Effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention in individuals with substance use disorders: A systematic review.
Population: Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD).
The specific intervention used: Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) intervention. This intervention has been previously studied. An example is the pilot efficacy trial by Bowen et al, (2009).
Author’s claims: The author claims that the systematic review aims to understand the effectiveness of MBRP considering not just SUD variables, (e.g. frequency of use and cravings), but other relevant clinical variables as well (e.g. anxiety and depressing symptoms, and quality of life).
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Findings/Outcomes
All the studies except one showed that MBRP intervention resulted in positive results on at least one search outcome measure.
Results support the effectiveness of MBRP intervention in the SUD population, specifically reducing craving, decreasing frequency of use, and promoting depressive symptoms.
Despite some variation in the types of programs used, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of MBRP interventions in the SUD population, particularly in decreasing craving, reducing frequency of use, and improving symptoms of depression.
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How the Findings May Translate into Practice
Incorporating MBRP into my treatment plans.
Highlights the importance of mindfulness practices to combat cravings and reduce the frequency of drug use.
Combining MBRP with other treatments.
Monitor changes in clients receiving MB
In my clinical practice, I will consider incorporating MBRP into my treatment plan for people with substance use disorders to prevent relapse, combat cravings and reduce the frequency of drug use. I will also combine MBRP with other evidence-based treatments to improve treatment outcomes, as well as monitor and assess changes in depressive symptoms and quality of life of clients that are receiving MBRP intervention (Killeen et al, 2023).
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Limitations of the Review
Limitations include:
Reduced sample size in some of the studies
Heterogeneity among studies regarding primary objectives, target groups, and types of interventions.
Reduced number of databases used for article searches.
Variations in the type and duration of MBRP interventions use.
Future studies should continue to examine the effectiveness of MBRP in SUD patients, as well as mediating variables that may provide a better understanding.
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Addressing the Limitations to strengthen the outcomes
Standardizing the MBRP interventions for further studies.
Sampling diverse populations and settings.
Implementing rigorous research designs.
Include long-term follow-up assessments
To facilitate comparison, future studies should be conducted using a standardized MBRP intervention. Other opportunities for improvement include Investigating the effectiveness of MBRP in different populations and settings to improve generalizability and implementing rigorous research designs, such as randomized controlled trials, to control for variables that are confounding. It would also be useful to include long-term follow-up to determine the continued effectiveness of MBRP intervention (Chidambaram & Josephson, 2019).
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Whether the Limitations of the Studies will affect my ability to use the findings in practice
I will implement the study in practice
The result convincingly showed that the MBR intervention is effective for patients with SUD
Implementation will be tailored to meet a client’s need
The client’s progress will be monitored and the intervention adjusted based on the client’s response and feedback
The client’s readiness and willingness would be assessed before administering the intervention
Despite study limitations, results suggest that MBRP has a significant positive impact on a variety of substance use and clinical variables. Additionally, although researchers were unable to adequately assess the effectiveness of MBRP compared to other evidence-based treatments, the results suggest that this intervention is effective for patients with SUD and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. This suggests that individual therapy may be of particular value. However, the application of the MBRP program should be tailored to suit the needs and preferences of individual client (Hutchinson et al., 2021).
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References
Bowen, S., Chawla, N., Collins, S. E., Witkiewitz, K., Hsu, S., Grow, J., Clifasefi, S., Garner, M., Douglass, A., Larimer, M. E., Marlatt, A. (2009) Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for substance use disorders: a pilot efficacy trial. Subst Abus. 2009 Oct-Dec;30(4):295-305. doi: 10.1080/08897070903250084.
Chidambaram, A. G., & Josephson, M. (2019). Clinical research study designs The essentials. Pediatric investigation, 3(04), 245-252.
Hutchinson, J. K., Jones, F., & Griffith, G. (2021). Group and common factors in mindfulness-based programs: a selective review and implications for teachers. Mindfulness, p. 12, 1582–1596.
Killeen, T. K., Wen, C. C., Neelon, B., & Baker, N. (2023). Predictors of Treatment Completion among Women Receiving Integrated Treatment for Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress and Substance Use Disorders. Substance Use & Misuse, 58(4), 500-511.
Ramadas, E., Lima, M. P. D., Caetano, T., Lopes, J., & Dixe, M. D. A. (2021). Effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention in individuals with substance use disorders: A systematic review. Behavioral Sciences, 11(10), 133.
The supporting sources are considered scholarly because they are literature reviews written by professionals; they were also reviewed and accepted by their peers, and also published in a credible journals.