Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and substance use disorder: Theory and research review

Risk behaviors are behaviors which endanger people's health and wellbeing so application of appropriate treatment for reduction of them is necessary. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, a modern form of treatment for substance use disorder, provided a public health and disease model for the reduction of the patient’s harms. Different from the traditional choice of treatment, abstinence, Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is designed to meet people “where they are at”. The traditional treatment for substance use disorders does not allow the individual to relapse, lest it is considered the treatment has failed. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy focuses on the reduction of negative consequences of substance use and allows the substance user to accept moderate and safer use, thereby, reducing the harmful effects of the disorder. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy places the individual in the present state of awareness, the here and now, making them aware of cues that trigger the desire to use substances. This article reviewed the use of Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy techniques as an alternative treatment for substance use traditional substance abuse program does not work for everyone.