Substance use is an ongoing and widespread issue in America. Thus, there is a need to address substance use in treatment and recovery. Complementary and alternative medicine practices e.g., mindfulness have been introduced in substance treatment. The physiological, psychological, and cognitive changes that occur from mindfulness use can be tremendously beneficial in relapse prevention. Baer, Smith, Hopkins, Krietemeyer, and Toney (2006) proposed five facets of mindfulness: non-reactivity, observing thoughts and feelings, acting with awareness, describing experience, and non-judging of experience (as cited in Temme & Wang, 2018). To better understand treatment of substance use disorder with mindfulness use, the relationship between the facets of mindfulness on negative mood and the awareness of risk for relapse was studied. The results of the study revealed that individuals who used the mindfulness facets observe and non-judgment showed a decrease in their negative mood. Similarly, individuals who used acting with awareness and non-judgment facets of mindfulness had reduced warning signs of relapse.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, there are many options available, including professional counseling. Please call us at (215) 487-1330 or email us at Greenridge@intercommunityaction.org for more information about our counseling services.
Author: Melissa Genn, MS, LBS
Reference
Temme, L. J. ., & Wang, D. (2018). Relationship Between the Five Facets of Mindfulness on Mood and Substance Use Relapse. Families in Society: Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 99(3), 209–218. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044389418784961
