Long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain can lead to anhedonia, or reduced ability to experience pleasure from natural rewards. A behavioral intervention called Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) was tested in 63 veterans on long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain, who were randomly assigned to eight weeks of MORE or a supportive group therapy. MORE increased brain and physiological responses to natural reward cues and reduced subjective anhedonia more than the control. The reduction in anhedonia was linked to increased brain activity during savoring of rewards. MORE may be an effective treatment for anhedonia in chronic opioid users and those at risk for opioid use disorder.
Veterans who completed mindfulness-based interventions through the Veterans Affairs Health Care System reported seeking treatment for trauma, health concerns, depression, and anxiety, and they experienced benefits in depressive symptoms, anxiety, health concerns, and pain levels. More than half maintained a daily mindfulness practice 6 to 12 months after treatment. Different types of mindfulness interventions showed comparable long-term outcomes, but demographic variables correlated with different results. Presenting certain mindfulness skills early and building daily practice throughout treatment may help veterans access effective components and reduce dropout.