Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) combines traditional relapse prevention strategies with mindfulness meditation practices — a structured, studied program, not just general “mindfulness” as a wellness concept.
The core idea: Building awareness of cravings, triggers, and automatic reactions as they arise, without immediately acting on them — creating space between an urge and a response.
What a typical program involves: Structured sessions (often 8 weeks, similar in format to mindfulness-based stress reduction), combining meditation practice, group discussion, and specific relapse prevention skill-building.
What the evidence shows: Reasonable evidence for reducing relapse risk and improving craving management, particularly as an addition to other treatment rather than a standalone approach — similar in that sense to CBT.
Who this tends to appeal to: People already interested in meditation or mindfulness practices, or those who’ve found that pure cognitive/behavioral approaches don’t fully address the emotional and attentional aspects of cravings.
Where to find it: Some treatment programs offer MBRP directly; standalone MBRP groups and trained therapists also exist outside of formal treatment programs.
Medically reviewed by [pending]. Sources: Bowen, Chawla & Marlatt (MBRP foundational literature), clinical trials on MBRP for substance use disorders.