Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for drug addiction in Nepal: impact and implications of an initial 2-day training of trainers.

Drug addiction is widespread in Nepal, and relapse after treatment is common. There are no evidence-based aftercare services beyond basic psychosocial support. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise for preventing relapse. This paper describes organizing a 2-day intensive in-person mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) training for Nepalese mental health professionals. Twenty-four participants, mostly rehabilitation staff along with some psychologists and psychiatrists, completed a feedback questionnaire. Responses indicated high satisfaction and offered suggestions for improvement. The experience led to designing online MBRP training and planning a feasibility study, which, if successful, could help many individuals in recovery.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Drug addiction is rife in Nepal, with a high relapse rate following treatment. Apart from basic psychosocial support, there are no evidence-based aftercare services for individuals in recovery. Recently, mindfulness-based interventions have shown promising results in preventing relapse. We discuss the context, challenges and opportunities of organising a 2-day intensive face-to-face mindfulness-based training for Nepalese mental health professionals to facilitate 8-week mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP). Altogether, 24 participants completed the feedback questionnaire. Most were rehabilitation staff, along with a few psychologists and psychiatrists. Feedback suggested a high degree of satisfaction and provided comments to improve the programme. It has prompted us to design online MBRP training and set up a feasibility study for an MBRP programme in Nepal. If successful, this may help a huge number of individuals in recovery.