Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation With Substance Use and Anxiety Disorders (MBPASA)

Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation for Adults With Substance Use and Anxiety Disorders

This observational study evaluated a structured mindfulness-based psychoeducation program focused on emotional awareness, forgiveness, and self-awareness to reduce anxiety and support recovery from substance use in adults. Participants completed the program to assess its feasibility and impact on stress levels and coping skills.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Substance Use Disorder (SUD); Anxiety Disorder Generalized
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation Program

Detailed Description

This study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness-based psychoeducation program on adults with co-occurring substance use and anxiety disorders. The program included structured sessions on mindfulness, emotional awareness, forgiveness, and self-awareness, designed to help participants manage stress, improve coping skills, and support long-term recovery. Participants engaged in guided exercises, group discussions, and reflective practices to reinforce these skills.

The study employed an observational, single-group design with open-label procedures. Three adult participants were enrolled, all meeting criteria for a diagnosis of substance use disorder and an anxiety disorder, excluding individuals currently in detoxification. The primary outcomes measured were reductions in stress and anxiety levels, as well as improvements in coping strategies related to substance use recovery. Secondary outcomes included participant engagement, self-reported mindfulness skills, and perceived emotional well-being.

Participants engaged in a 12-week structured mindfulness-based psychoeducation program designed to improve emotional awareness, coping strategies, and long-term recovery. The intervention incorporated guided mindfulness exercises, forgiveness practices, and self-awareness training to help participants manage anxiety and substance use. Assessments were conducted at baseline, program completion (12 weeks), and follow-up at 6 months and 12 months to measure outcomes related to stress, anxiety, and sobriety maintenance.

The study was conducted in Boca Raton, FL, and has been completed. Data from this pilot program provides preliminary insights into the feasibility and potential benefits of mindfulness-based psychoeducation for supporting recovery and mental health in adults with dual diagnoses.

• 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

Participants include adults aged 18 years and older with a history of substance use and co-occurring anxiety symptoms who participated in mindfulness-based psychoeducation as part of routine behavioral health support. The observational cohort consists of individuals who engaged in mindfulness practices and psychoeducational discussions focused on emotional regulation, stress awareness, and recovery maintenance. Data were retrospectively observed to evaluate patterns of anxiety reduction, perceived stress levels, and maintenance of sobriety over time.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults 18 years or older
• Diagnosed with a substance use disorder
• Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder
• Able and willing to participate in mindfulness-based psychoeducation sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a detoxification or medical stabilization program
• Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric instability that would prevent participation in the study

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Anxiety	Measure: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Description: Participants' anxiety levels will be assessed using the validated State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Changes in STAI scores will be observed across assessment intervals to evaluate patterns of anxiety reduction associated with mindfulness-based psychoeducation.	Baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months
Change in Perceived Stress	Measure: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Description: Participants' perceived stress levels will be assessed using the validated Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Changes in PSS scores will be observed across assessment intervals to evaluate patterns of stress reduction associated with mindfulness-based psychoeducation.	Time Frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Maintenance of Sobriety Duration Following Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation	Maintenance of sobriety will be evaluated through participant self-report of continued abstinence from substances following participation in mindfulness-based psychoeducation. Duration of sobriety will be documented at follow-up intervals to observe patterns of sustained recovery, emotional stability, and relapse prevention associated with mindfulness-based behavioral support.	Up to 12 months after baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Rivera C. Mindfulness-Based Psychoeducation to Reduce Anxiety and Support Recovery in Adults with Substance Use Disorders: A Pilot Observational Study. Journal of Psychology, Recovery & Forensic Research. 2026 March. doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.31567039.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 13, 2016
• Primary Completion (Actual): June 5, 2016
• Study Completion (Actual): March 14, 2017

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 8, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 17, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): March 19, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 19, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 17, 2026
• Last Verified: March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: behavioral intervention; recovery; mindfulness; stress reduction; anxiety disorder; observational study; substance use; coping skills; psychoeducation; emotional awareness
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Mental Disorders; Chemically-Induced Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Substance-Related Disorders; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Therapeutics; Salvage Therapy
• Other Study ID Numbers: BMH-MBPASA-OBS-002

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: The study does not plan to share individual participant data because the dataset is small 3 participants and contains sensitive personal health information, making it impossible to de-identify without risk of participant identification.

Study Data/Documents

1. The published article summarizes the study: no participant-level data are shared
   Information identifier: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.fig
   Information comments: The published article summarizes the study methodology and results. No individual participant- level data are shared due to confidentiality. The article provides all information needed.

Drug and device information, study documents

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