Mindfulness-based interventions for opioid misuse: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Satish K Kedia, Shreya Sirohi, Nikhil A Ahuja et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review assessed randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in adults with opioid misuse or opioid use disorder. Seventeen articles representing 14 distinct trials were included from 293 records. Across studies, MBIs were associated with reductions in opioid craving and opioid misuse or use, as well as improvements in pain-related functioning, emotional regulation, psychological distress, and quality of life. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) had the most developed and consistent evidence base; results for other approaches were more variable. The review did not report a pooled effect estimate.
Key findings
- The review included 17 articles representing 14 distinct randomized controlled trials, selected from 293 records.
- Across studies, MBIs were associated with reductions in opioid craving and opioid misuse or use outcomes.
- Studies also reported improvements in pain-related functioning, emotional regulation, psychological distress, and quality of life.
- Ten studies evaluated MORE; its evidence base was more consistent and developed than that for other mindfulness approaches.
Why it matters
Opioid-related recovery involves concerns such as craving, pain-related distress, and emotional regulation that may not be fully addressed by existing treatment approaches. This review suggests mindfulness-based interventions could support these aspects of recovery, while the variable quality and consistency of the evidence mean their benefits should be interpreted cautiously.
What to keep in mind
The review reports heterogeneity across studies and variability in methodological quality and outcome consistency, limiting confidence in the findings.