Can mindfulness-based treatment modalities be more successful than psychotherapy to reduce comorbid opioid misuse and chronic pain? A recent (February 2022) clinical trial found that YES, it can.
This trial randomized 250 adults with comorbid opioid misuse and chronic pain. 45% of participants receiving mindfulness-oriented recovery training were no longer misusing opioids after 9 months of follow up. Only 24.4% of those who received group psychotherapy shared this success. In addition, those with mindfulness training also reported notable reduction in pain symptoms.
Mindfulness training included practices such as “meditation on breathing and body sensations to strengthen self-regulation of compulsive opioid use and to mitigate pain and opioid craving by reinterpreting these experiences... reframing maladaptive thoughts to decrease negative emotions, and engender meaning in life... and cultivating awareness on pleasurable events and sensations to amplify positive emotions and reward.”
Our article Mindfulness = Boredom + Curiosity goes further in depth about the essence of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a key in becoming connected, aware, and empowered. Benefits of mindfulness are nearly endless, including decreased depression, increased emotional regulation, reduced anxiety and stress, better memory, cognitive improvements, stronger relationships, better physical health and more (very well mind).
Soberman’s Estate provides tools and strategies to cultivate mindfulness for clients. One of the most accessible tools is breathwork, however there are different physical experiences that help different individuals tap into and strengthen their mindfulness muscle. Some clients learn the most mindfulness during yoga, equine therapy, art therapy, mala bead meditations, labyrinth walks, nature hikes, journaling prompts, medicine wheel sessions, intentional cooking and eating, music therapy, or more. Soberman’s Estate provides all therapeutic modalities onsite, so clients may find what works for them to ignite their recovery journey. We are proud to teach men to live a better life for the rest of their lives. ™