Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is an evidence-based recovery strategy that integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help individuals in recovery from substance use disorders recognize and manage triggers that lead to relapse [1].
Developed from programs like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), it encourages present-moment awareness to interrupt automatic reactions to cravings, stress, or triggers. This aftercare approach is often delivered in 8-week group sessions, equipping participants with tools for long-term sobriety.
What is Mindfulness and Why Does it Matter?
Mindfulness is the art of developing awareness of the present moment, recognizing triggers and stress responses, and helps you rewire the brain response to drug and alcohol cravings. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practices strengthen decision-making, reduce impulsivity, and improve mood.
Studies continually show the benefits of mindfulness and how it can improve several areas of life. Some of these benefits include [2]:
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Improves focus, attention, and memory by training the mind to stay present.
- Lowers stress, supporting coping with daily challenges.
- Increases emotional understanding and develops stronger relationships with better self-awareness.
- Supports physical health by lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and managing pain.
How Does Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Work?
MBRP programs typically take place over eight weekly group sessions, blending structured mindfulness exercises with relapse prevention skills tailored for substance recovery. Participants engage in guided practices to build awareness of triggers, cravings, and foster conscious responses over impulsive use [1].
Sessions typically progress from foundations in mindfulness training to advanced relapse strategies:
Weeks 1-2 (Automatic Pilot and Awareness):
Weeks 1 and 2 focus on building awareness of automatic pilot behaviors that often lead to cravings and early relapse. Through guided body scans and mindful breathing exercises, clients learn to identify subtle physical and mental signals that accompany urges to use substances.
Homework assignments reinforce this learning by encouraging daily logging of specific triggers, helping individuals become more conscious of the moments that trigger them to use.
Weeks 3-4 (Triggers and Cravings):
Urge surfing exercises guide participants to observe cravings as they naturally rise and fall, similar to waves at the beach. This practice helps clients distinguish between the physical sensations of cravings and the impulse to act on those urges.
Alongside this, trigger mapping deepens awareness of specific people, places, or emotions that cause temptation and helps clients build boundaries to manage these challenges when they arise.
Weeks 5-6 (Emotions and Reactions):
In weeks 5 and 6, the focus is on group sharing and emotion-labeling. This helps clients understand and recognize how stress and negative emotions increase vulnerability to relapse. Participants also learn to identify feelings without judgment and build self-compassion.
The group setting and compassionate approach help replace shame-driven responses with healthier coping skills, fostering emotional resilience in recovery.
Weeks 7-8 (Lifestyle and Maintenance):
Weeks 7 and 8 prepare clients for real-life challenges through role-playing high-risk situations and personalized coping strategies. These exercises build confidence in overcoming triggers for use while integrating mindfulness into daily life.
The phase ends with an individualized relapse prevention plan, supporting sustained recovery by combining awareness, planning, and ongoing self-care.
Is MBRP Effective for Treating Substance Use Disorders?
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) has an effectiveness rate of 30-60% reductions in relapse risk, substance use days, or heavy drinking compared to standard treatment.
One trial reported 54% lower relapse risk at 6 months and 31% fewer use days at 12 months for MBRP. The most successful outcomes integrate MBRP with other evidence-based protocols such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skill Training and Trauma-Informed Care [3].
Research shows that mindfulness-based interventions greatly reduce cravings across several substance use disorders, but have been found to be particularly effective for individuals struggling with stimulant addiction, with nearly 80% of participants reporting sustained benefits after mindfulness training [4].
5 Mindfulness-Based Recovery Tips to Practice On Your Own
- Urge Surfing: When a craving hits, notice its intensity and rate it 1-10. Breathe through the peak without acting, and watch it fade in intensity.
- Trigger Mapping: Daily or weekly, write down one high-risk situation (e.g., stress from work) and observe emotions or body sensations that arise, pause, and label them to help build increased awareness.
- Breath Out Cravings: Inhale for four counts, naming the urge (“This is an alcohol craving”), hold 4, exhale four while visualizing it dissolving. Repeat this until the craving weakens.
- Set Morning Intentions: When you wake up, become aware of the day and tell yourself, “Today I will be present instead of escaping emotionally.”
- Nature Walks: Go on a walk and feel your feet on the ground, notice the plants or colors around you, breathe in the fresh air.
Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention in Massachusetts at Trinity Wellness Group
Recovery is not just about stopping substance use—it’s about creating a meaningful, sober life filled with purpose and strength. At Trinity Wellness Group, you’re never alone on your journey. Our multidisciplinary experts work closely with you and your loved ones to ensure continuous, tailored care.
Guided by the principles of integrity and authenticity, we are committed to delivering evidence-based treatments alongside the transformative power of lived experience. We use MBRP as part of our aftercare approach to help clients build awareness of the present moment, foster emotional healing, and stay grounded in their recovery journey.
Contact us today to find support and begin treatment.
Sources
[1] Garland, L. et al. (2018). Mindfulness meditation in the treatment of substance use disorders and preventing future relapse: neurocognitive mechanisms and clinical implications. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 9, 103–114.
[2] Robins, J. et al. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: a review of empirical studies. Clinical psychology review, 31(6), 1041–1056.
[3] Larimer, E. et al. (2014). Relative efficacy of mindfulness-based relapse prevention, standard relapse prevention, and treatment as usual for substance use disorders: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA psychiatry, 71(5), 547–556.
[4] Garland, E. et al. Mindfulness training targets neurocognitive mechanisms of addiction at the attention-appraisal-emotion interface. Frontiers in Psychiatry.
