Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Journal of Addiction Medicine May 4, 2008 Aleksandra Zgierska, David Rabago, Megan Zuelsdorff et al. 183 citations
Meditation shows promise as an additional therapy to help prevent relapse in people recovering from alcohol dependence. In a 16-week study of 19 adults who had completed an intensive outpatient program, 15 completed an 8-week meditation course plus home practice and standard care. On average, participants meditated about 4.6 days per week and were abstinent on 94.5% of study days; 47% remained completely abstinent, while 47% had at least one heavy drinking day. Depression, anxiety, stress, and craving decreased, and mindfulness increased. Participants rated the course highly as a relapse prevention tool. A biomarker of inflammation, interleukin-6, also decreased. No adverse events occurred.