The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention on Chinese Methamphetamine Dependent Patients: A Pilot Study.

Jing Zhai,Jingqing Shi,Min Zhao,Jiang Du,Qihuan Ren,Daqing Shi,Yan Long

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.819075

Abstract

Methamphetamine use is a serious problem in China. Compulsory isolation detoxification is the main treatment measure for drug dependents, whereas psychological interventions in compulsory isolation detoxification centers are extremely inadequate. The current study aimed to examine the effects of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) on methamphetamine dependence patients in Chinese compulsory isolation detoxification treatment institutions. Forty-one methamphetamine dependent patients received 16-sessions of MBRP in 8 weeks and assessments were conducted at the baseline, 4-, 8-week (after the whole intervention). Results of repeated measured ANOVAs showed there was no significant effect on emotions and cravings. Findings indicated that the effects of MBRP are still difficult to make firm conclusions due to the insignificant results. Future studies should modify the MBRP and ensure that it is suitable for compulsory isolation detoxification treatment institutions in China.

Highlights

Compared with the previous treatment system, compulsory isolation detoxification addresses the importance of psychological intervention among the drug dependents since according to the “Drug Control Law of the People’s Republic of China,” drug dependents have been defined as both offenders and patients, and psychological interventions should be delivered to help them to keep abstinence
This pilot study initially examined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) on methamphetamine dependent patients in Chinese compulsory isolation detoxification treatment institutes
We focused on the effects of MBRP on patients’ emotions and cravings in the present study

Summary

Introduction

Substance use is a serious public health problem and social problem. According to a report by the Chinese government, the number of drug users in China has reached 1.801 million in 2020, 57.2% of them abuse synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and ketamine, and methamphetamine abuse remains a serious problem [1]. Methamphetamine showed higher addictive and neurotoxicity which would cause brain dysfunction, psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairment, and high risks of relapse [2]. Methamphetamine dependent patients generally showed higher craving, impulsive, and negative emotions, and worse cognitive functions [3–5]. In China, compulsory isolation detoxification is the main treatment measure for drug dependents. Compared with the previous treatment system, compulsory isolation detoxification addresses the importance of psychological intervention among the drug dependents since according to the “Drug Control Law of the People’s Republic of China,” drug dependents have been defined as both offenders and patients, and psychological interventions should be delivered to help them to keep abstinence. To meet the requirement of “Drug Control Law,” we try to find new psychological intervention strategies which are eligible for compulsory isolation treatment sites

Methods

Results

Conclusion