Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviors

Sarah Bowen, PhD, is a research scientist and therapist in the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, where she specializes in mindfulness practice for the treatment of addictive behaviors. Her research has focused specifically on mechanisms of change, including negative affect, thought suppression, and craving. She is particularly interested in the application of mindfulness-based work to dual-diagnosis populations. Dr. Bowen has co-facilitated mindfulness-based relapse prevention groups in numerous settings, including private and county treatment agencies and the VA Medical Center in Seattle. She also presents, consults, and teaches on the use of mindfulness-based treatment for substance use disorders. Neha Chawla, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on the development and evaluation of mindfulness-based treatments for substance use disorders, issues related to therapist training and dissemination, and the assessment of therapist competence. Dr. Chawla has facilitated numerous mindfulness-based relapse prevention groups in private and community treatment settings in Seattle and on the East Coast, and has co-led several therapist training workshops. G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, until his death in 2011, was Director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center and Professor of Psychology at the University of Washington. For over 30 years, Dr. Marlatt conducted pioneering work on understanding and preventing relapse in substance abuse treatment and was a leading proponent of the harm reduction approach to treating addictive behaviors. He was a recipient of honors including the Jellinek Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to knowledge in the field of alcohol studies, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Innovators Combating Substance Abuse Award, the Research Society on Alcoholism's Distinguished Researcher Award, and the Career/Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.

Introduction

Part I. Conducting Mindfulness-Based Relapse PreventionPart II. Facilitator’s Guide
Session 1: Automatic Pilot and Relapse
Session 2: Awareness of Triggers and Craving
Session 3: Mindfulness in Daily Life
Session 4: Mindfulness in High-Risk Situations
Session 5: Acceptance and Skillful Action
Session 6: Seeing Thoughts as Thoughts
Session 7: Self-Care and Lifestyle Balance
Session 8: Social Support and Continuing Practice