Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviours (MBRP)

OVERVIEW

MBRP is an intensive recovery programme for people who feel their alcohol consumption or substance use is negatively impacting on their lives. It draws on the wisdom of thousands of years of meditative tradition and combines them with contemporary approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Relapse Prevention.  

WHAT’S THE EVIDENCE BASE FOR MBCR? 

MBCR is an adapted version of the original Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention model. A 2017 research meta-analysis (W. Li et al.) found in virtually all studies mindfulness treatments were associated with superior substance misuse treatment outcomes, reducing craving and enhancing abstinence at follow-up compared to standard cognitive behavioural therapy and relapse prevention.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL COURSE LOOK LIKE?

The course has been designed with busy people in mind and take places online by Zoom video conference over 8 weekly two-hour sessions usually in the evening. A typical course progresses as follows:

SESSION 1: Automatic Pilot and Relapse 

SESSION 2: Awareness of Triggers and Cravings 

SESSION 3: Mindulness in Daily Life 

SESSION 4: Mindfulness in High-Risk Situations 

SESSION 5: Acceptance and Skillfull Action 

SESSION 6: Seeing Thoughts as Thoughts 

SESSION 7: Self-Care and Lifestyle Balance 

SESSION 8: Social Support and Continuing Practice 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS  

To get the most from the course you’ll need to attend all the sessions and be able to set aside 20-30 minutes a day for home meditation practice. 

Participants will needs to be seeking other forms of support through the duration of the course - for instance, attending 12-Step or SMART Recovery meetings. We ask participants to take a break from alcohol or drugs for at least one month prior to commencing the course and throughout the course itself.