Mindfulness and Meditation-Based Relapse Prevention for Substance Use Disorders (MBRP-SUD)

Observational Case Series of Mindfulness- and Meditation-Based Relapse Prevention for Substance Use Disorders (MBRP-SUD)

Mindfulness and meditation based relapse prevention has been proposed as an adjunctive approach for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). This completed pilot observational case series describes outcomes from three de-identified participants who completed an eight-week mindfulness and meditation program designed to reduce stress, enhance coping skills, and support sustained recovery.

Participants demonstrated improvements in perceived stress and mindfulness following the intervention. Two participants experienced relapse within 10-12 months, while one participant maintained long-term sobriety. This small case series provides descriptive clinical insights and supports the feasibility of mindfulness-based interventions in real-world treatment settings.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Substance Use Disorders; Prevention; Meditation; Addiction Psychological; Behavioral Health; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; Addiction Disorders
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Mindfulness and Meditation-Based Relapse Prevention Program

Detailed Description

This pilot observational case series evaluated an eight-week mindfulness and meditation-based relapse prevention program delivered to three de-identified adults with substance use disorders. The intervention included weekly guided mindfulness sessions, daily home practice, and group discussions focused on awareness of cravings, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention strategies.

Outcomes were assessed using self-reported perceived stress and mindfulness measures, along with qualitative clinical interviews and participant journals to monitor relapse behavior. All participants demonstrated improvements in perceived stress and mindfulness. Relapse occurred in two participants within one year, while one participant maintained long-term sobriety.

This study was exploratory and descriptive in nature, with a small sample size. Ethics review was not required as all participants were de-identified and the study was conducted as a clinical case series. Findings are intended to inform future research and larger-scale studies of mindfulness-based relapse prevention interventions.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 3

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Florida
    • Boca Raton, Florida, United States, 33496
      • Bout Me Healing

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of three de-identified adults with a history of substance use disorders who participated in an eight-week mindfulness and meditation based relapse prevention program. Participants included two females and one male, ranging in age from 30 to 51 years. All participants engaged in weekly guided sessions, daily home practice, and group discussions. The population was selected from individuals already enrolled in the program and willing to participate in data collection for observational purposes. No restrictions were placed on sex beyond adult eligibility, and participants had varying substance use histories and prior treatment experiences.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• History of substance use disorder (any substance)
• Enrolled in or referred to an eight-week mindfulness and meditation-based relapse prevention program
• Willing and able to participate in weekly guided sessions, daily home practice, and group discussions
• Able to provide self-reported information on stress, mindfulness, and relapse experiences

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals under 18 years of age
• Inability or unwillingness to participate in mindfulness or meditation exercises
• Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric condition preventing participation in group or home practice
• Participation in concurrent structured relapse prevention programs outside of this study

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Intervention / Treatment

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Case Series; This cohort includes three adult participants with histories of substance use disorders who completed an eight-week mindfulness and meditation-based relapse prevention program delivered as part of routine clinical practice. Participants engaged in guided mindfulness meditation sessions, daily home practice, and group discussions focused on stress awareness, emotional regulation, craving management, and relapse prevention skills. Outcomes were assessed descriptively using self-reported stress and mindfulness measures, participant journals, and clinical interviews.

Behavioral: Mindfulness and Meditation-Based Relapse Prevention Program; The mindfulness and meditation-based relapse prevention program consisted of an eight-week structured intervention delivered as part of routine clinical practice. Participants engaged in weekly guided mindfulness meditation sessions, daily individual home practice, and facilitated group discussions. The intervention focused on developing awareness of thoughts, emotions, cravings, and stress responses, with an emphasis on nonjudgmental observation and emotional regulation. Sessions included mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, body awareness practices, and reflective discussion related to relapse prevention and coping strategies. The program was not designed as a randomized or controlled intervention and was implemented uniformly across participants.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Perceived Stress and Mindfulness Following Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Program	The primary outcome is the change in perceived stress and mindfulness levels in participants completing an eight-week mindfulness and meditation-based relapse prevention program. Stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and mindfulness using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Observations were collected through participant journals and clinical interviews, comparing baseline to post-intervention outcomes. This outcome reflects the feasibility and potential impact of mindfulness-based practices in supporting emotional regulation and coping strategies for individuals with substance use disorders.	Baseline (pre-intervention) to end of the eight-week program

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Bout Me Healing
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Cice Rivera, MS, CAP, Bout Me Healing

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Rivera, Cice (2026). Mindfulness and Meditation-Based Relapse Prevention for Substance Use Disorders: Research Case Series of Three Participants. figshare. Journal contribution. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.31302370.v1

Helpful Links

• De-identified participant data, study protocol, and clinical report will be shared with qualified researchers upon request for 3 years following publication.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 15, 2015
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 11, 2015
• Study Completion (Actual): March 11, 2016

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 11, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 11, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): February 18, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): February 18, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 11, 2026
• Last Verified: February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: relapse prevention; mindfulness; meditation; substance use; behavioral health; addiction recovery
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Mental Disorders; Chemically-Induced Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Behavior Therapy; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mindfulness
• Other Study ID Numbers: BMH-MBRP-OBS-001

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data (IPD) from this study, including de-identified perceived stress scores, mindfulness scores, and relapse observations, will be made available upon reasonable request to qualified researchers. All data will be fully de-identified to protect participant privacy. Data requests should include a research proposal and data use agreement. The data will be available for three years following publication of the study results. The study dataset is small (three participants) and observational in nature; requests will be reviewed to ensure ethical use and protection of participant confidentiality.
• IPD Sharing Time Frame: The individual participant data (IPD) and supporting documents will be available starting from the date the study record becomes publicly accessible on ClinicalTrials.gov and will remain available for three years following publication.
• IPD Sharing Access Criteria: IPD will be accessible to qualified researchers who submit a request with a research proposal and agree to a data use agreement. Available materials include de-identified participant data (stress scores, mindfulness scores, relapse observations), the study protocol, and the clinical study report. Data access will be granted following review to ensure ethical use and confidentiality protection.
• IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type: STUDY_PROTOCOL; ICF; CSR

Study Data/Documents

1. Study Protocol
   Information comments: https://bout-me-healing.com/ipdsharingplan/
2. Clinical Study Report
   Information identifier: MMRP_SUD_IPD_2025
   Information comments: Qualified researchers may request access to de-identified participant data, the study protocol, and the clinical study report. Requests will be reviewed and granted to support replication, meta-analyses, or related research. Data will be available for 3 years following publication. Requests should be submitted via the corresponding author's contact page or designated website. No identifying information will be shared, ensuring full confidentiality for participants.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No