Meditation for Addiction
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how meditation might help people dealing with opioid addiction. Researchers seek to determine if meditation can improve empathy and reduce opioid-related issues. Participants will either engage in guided meditation sessions or participate in psychoeducation sessions, learning about how opioids affect the brain. This trial is open to individuals who have used opioids almost daily for at least 90 days and can follow instructions in English.
As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new approaches in addiction treatment.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your current opioid use, as the study involves people who use opioids regularly.
What prior data suggests that these meditation and psychoeducation practices are safe for participants?
Research has shown that meditation and mindfulness practices are generally safe and well-tolerated. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that these practices usually carry few risks, with negative effects rarely reported.
Specific safety data for the psychoeducation component isn't available. However, psychoeducation, which involves learning about how opioids affect the brain, is generally safe as it is educational.
In summary, both meditation and psychoeducation are considered safe for participants, with meditation being widely practiced and posing minimal risk.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for addiction because they offer a fresh approach compared to traditional methods like medication-assisted therapy or behavioral therapy. Meditation, specifically, is unique because it focuses on mindfulness practices, which help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without judgment, potentially reducing cravings and anxiety linked to addiction. On the other hand, psychoeducation provides valuable insights into opioid neuropharmacology, empowering individuals with knowledge about how opioids affect the brain, which can enhance understanding and engagement in recovery. Together, these methods offer a holistic approach, addressing both the mental awareness and educational aspects of addiction recovery.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for addiction?
Research has shown that mindfulness meditation, a treatment in this trial, can help address substance use problems, including opioid addiction. A review of 37 studies with over 3,500 participants found that mindfulness techniques reduced substance use. Studies also indicate that mindfulness can significantly lower cravings for substances. Additionally, mindfulness-based programs have effectively helped people abstain from substances. Overall, evidence suggests that meditation might be a promising tool for those dealing with addiction. Meanwhile, another treatment arm in this trial involves psychoeducation about opioid neuropharmacology, serving as an active comparator.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Eric Garland, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Diego
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who use opioids nearly every day, whether prescribed or illicit, for at least the past 90 days. Participants must be able to speak and understand English.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage in guided meditation or receive psychoeducation about opioid neuropharmacology
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for opioid craving, use, and other psychological measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Meditation
- Psychoeducation
Trial Overview
The study is looking into how meditation practices and learning about addiction (psychoeducation) can affect brain function related to empathy in people using opioids.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
20 minutes of guided meditation during the laboratory session involving mindfulness of breathing and lovingkindness practice.
Psychoeducation about opioid neuropharmacology.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Diego
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Mindfulness meditation in the treatment of substance use ...
Emerging evidence suggests that mindfulness training can target these neurocognitive mechanisms to produce significant therapeutic effects on SUDs and prevent ...
Mindfulness treatment for substance misuse: A systematic ...
Meta-analytic results revealed significant small-to-large effects of mindfulness treatments in reducing the frequency and severity of substance misuse.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety | NCCIH
A 2018 review of 37 studies (3,531 total participants) evaluated the effectiveness of several mindfulness-based approaches to substance use ...
Mindfulness-based Intervention and Relapse Rates in Adults ...
MBIs is an effective tool for the treatment of substance use disorders, craving for substance use, and at increasing the rate of abstinence.
Mindfulness Training vs Recovery Support for Opioid Use, ...
In contrast, meta-analyses suggest that mindfulness outperforms active controls for reducing cravings among individuals with substance use ...
Mindfulness‐based interventions for substance use disorders
The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of MBIs relative to no treatment on continuous abstinence rate at post‐treatment.
Factors influencing the effects of the mindfulness-based ...
This article aims to provide the experiences of mindfulness treatments from the perspectives of patients with a history of substance abuse.
8.
mindfulscience.usc.edu
mindfulscience.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/32.-DAVIS-BERRY-DUMAS-RITTER-SMITH-MENARD-ROBERTS-2018.-SUBSTANCE-USE-OUTCOMES-FOR-MINDFULNESS-BASED-RELAPSE-.pdfJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance use outcomes for mindfulness based relapse prevention are partially mediated by reductions in stress: Results from a randomized trial. Jordan P ...
9.
globalwn.org
globalwn.org/files/2025-07/Li%2C%20et%20al%2C%20Mindfulness%20Treatment%20for%20substance%20misuse.pdfMindfulness treatment for substance misuse
The primary outcomes examined in this systematic review and meta- analysis were decreases in substance misuse-related behaviors and prob- lems, including ...
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