The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention on Chinese Methamphetamine Dependent Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Methamphetamine use is a serious problem in China. Compulsory isolation detoxification is the main treatment measure for drug dependents, whereas psychological interventions in compulsory isolation detoxification centers are extremely inadequate. The current study aimed to examine the effects of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) on methamphetamine dependence patients in Chinese compulsory isolation detoxification treatment institutions. Forty-one methamphetamine dependent patients received 16-sessions of MBRP in 8 weeks and assessments were conducted at the baseline, 4-, 8-week (after the whole intervention). Results of repeated measured ANOVAs showed there was no significant effect on emotions and cravings. Findings indicated that the effects of MBRP are still difficult to make firm conclusions due to the insignificant results. Future studies should modify the MBRP and ensure that it is suitable for compulsory isolation detoxification treatment institutions in China.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness in the Treatment of Methamphetamine Addiction Symptoms: Does Neuroplasticity Play a Role?

“…Regarding stress and anxiety, in [75], the experimental group had significantly lower stress scores during the 6-month follow-up period (−7.44, 95%CI = −12.21, −2.67). The study [76] showed no effect of MBRP on anxiety scores. In [77], mindfulness reduced the stress scores.…”

“…Regarding depression, mindfulness improved these results in three studies [75,80,83] and did not improve the results in one [76]. In [75], the experimental group had significantly lower depression scores during the six-month follow-up period (−2.95, 95%CI = −5.31, −0.6).…”

“…Zhai et al [76] conducted a study to investigate how MBRP impacts individuals undergoing compulsory isolation detoxification treatment for methamphetamine dependence. Forty-one patients with methamphetamine dependence participated in the study.…”

“…Regarding craving, mindfulness improved results in a total of eight studies [74,75,77,78,[80][81][82][83] and did not improve the results in one [76]. Citing more detailed results, in [75], at the six-month check, the group that had received the experimental treatment showed a noticeable decrease in cravings compared to the other group.…”

Chan-Chuang and resistance exercise for drug rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial among Chinese male methamphetamine users

“…Since this is the first study on this exercise type and methamphetamine rehabilitation, we are not able to compare our results with those of other studies. From the perspective of mindfulness, these null effects are not surprising, because the known effects of mindfulness-based interventions on drug craving and mental outcomes are still controversial ( 32 – 34 ). The null effects, according to our assumptions, could be due to Chan-Chuang’s insufficient physiological stress.…”