Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for female incarcerated substance abusers with protracted withdrawal syndromes

Abstract

Objective To evaluate effects of mindfulness-based relapse prevention treatment in female incarcerated substance abusers with protracted withdrawal syndromes.Methods 120 female incarcerated substance abusers were selected from compulsory rehabilitation/treatment center,they were randomly assigned by throwing coin to either treatment group or control group.All participants in treatment group got mindfulness-based relapse prevention treatment.At pre- and post-session assessment points,all participants completed the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire and Opiate Protracted Abstinent Symptoms Scale.Two sample t -test and chi-square were used to examine the baselines,repeated measures ANOVA for assessing changes of mindfulness and protracted abstinent syndromes between and within groups.Results No differences between-group were found on mindfulness and protracted abstinent syndromes.Group x Time effects emerged for observe facet (F=27.87,P=0.000),describe facet(F=15.10,P=0.000) and total scores of mindfulness (F =12.05,P=0.001 ),the same as craving symptoms(F=7.53,P=0.007) and sleeping symptoms (F=4.40,P=0.038) of protracted abstinent symptoms.On sleep symptoms,participants in treatment group got(5.7 ±4.0) score before treatment points,got (3.5 ±3.1 )after treatment points.Participants in control group got (4.3 ± 3.6) at pre-session assessment,got (3.7 ± 3.5 ) at post-session assessment,participants in treatment group got better improvement in sleeping symptoms.Physical symptom score of protracted abstinent symptoms among treatment group participants showed a downward trend over time(F=14.89,P =0.000).Conclusion Mindfulness-based relapse prevention treatment can increase mindfulness scores,and improve physical and sleeping problems.Compulsory rehabilitation center is helpful for substance abusers. Key words: Mindfulness; Mindfulness-based relapse prevention; Female; Substance-abuser; Substance withdrawal syndrome; Treatment