Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Methadone Maintenance

The current study was designed to inform protocol adaptation, and to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention for methadone maintenance clients. Adults (N=15) were recruited from a methadone clinic to participate in a 6-week mindfulness course. Indices of feasibility, including recruitment, retention, data from focus groups and course satisfaction surveys, supported feasibility of the intervention. Outcome measures were self-report, and included depression, craving, PTSD symptoms, and experiential avoidance, and were assessed at baseline, postcourse, and 1-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Mean scores on all primary outcomes changed in the expected direction at both postcourse and 1-month follow-up assessment, although only depression and experiential avoidance reached significance. Results support feasibility and acceptability, and provide preliminary data on outcomes for future trials of mindfulness-based approaches within this client population.