What is Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is a program that helps people who have struggled with addiction to stay sober. It uses mindfulness techniques to help people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations related to their addiction. MBRP teaches people skills to handle cravings and urges, so they can avoid relapse and stay sober. The program has eight sessions that include guided meditations and group discussions. MBRP can be very helpful for people who have had problems with addiction, and it can improve their emotional health.
Techniques Used in Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention
The following techniques of MBRP help people who have struggled with addiction stay sober:
Mindful Breathing: It involves paying attention to your breath and noticing how it feels as it goes in and out of your body. This technique can help people feel more relaxed and calm.
Body Scan: This involves focusing on different parts of your body and noticing any sensations or tension you feel. By practicing the body scan, people can become more aware of their body and how it feels.
Mindful Movement is another technique used in MBRP. It involves practicing yoga or other gentle exercises while being mindful of the body’s movements. This technique can help people feel more connected to their bodies and more relaxed.
Urge surfing is a technique that helps people handle their cravings without giving in to them. It involves observing the craving without acting on it. This technique can help people become more aware of their cravings and feel more in control of their behavior.
Loving-kindness meditation is a technique that involves focusing on positive feelings of love and compassion towards oneself and others. This technique can help people feel more self-acceptance and compassion, which can reduce the risk of relapse.
MBRP can be very helpful for people who have had problems with addiction. By learning and practicing these techniques, people can become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations related to their addiction, which can help them stay sober and improve their emotional health.
Effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention
Many studies have shown that Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention is effective in helping people who have struggled with addiction to stay sober. A study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that people who participated in MBRP had a significantly lower risk of relapse than those who received traditional addiction treatment. Another study found that MBRP helped people reduce their cravings and improved their emotional regulation.
Additionally, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention has been found to be especially helpful for people who have finished other addiction treatment programs. Overall, the evidence suggests that MBRP is an effective way to help people prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.
How to Practice Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention
If you’re interested in practicing Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention, there are a few things you can do. One of the most important is to practice mindfulness regularly, both through meditation and by being mindful in your daily life. Here are some tips for practicing MBRP:
-
Start by practicing mindful breathing. Sit or lie down comfortably and focus on your breath, noticing how it feels as it goes in and out of your body.
-
Try the body scan technique. Lie down and focus on different parts of your body, noticing any sensations or tension you feel.
-
Practice mindful movement. Try yoga or another gentle exercise, focusing on the sensations in your body as you move.
-
Use urge surfing to handle cravings. When you feel a craving, observe it without acting on it. Notice how it feels in your body and mind, and let it pass.
-
Finally, practice loving-kindness meditation. Focus on feelings of love and compassion towards yourself and others.
Remember that MBRP is a skill that takes practice. Don’t worry if it feels difficult at first. Keep practicing regularly, and over time you may find that it becomes easier to stay mindful and prevent relapse. If you’re struggling, consider seeking out a MBRP program or therapist who can help guide you through the process.
Who Should Use MBRP
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention can be helpful for anyone who has struggled with addiction and wants to prevent relapse. It can be particularly useful for people who have completed traditional addiction treatment programs and want additional support in staying sober. MBRP can help people develop skills to handle cravings and urges, improve their emotional regulation, and increase their awareness of their thoughts and feelings related to addiction.
MBRP is not a replacement for traditional addiction treatment, but rather a complementary approach. It’s important to work with a qualified healthcare professional and addiction specialist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your individual needs. If you’re interested in MBRP, talk to your healthcare provider or addiction specialist to see if it might be a good fit for you.
If you are interested in how we incorporate mindfulness into our rehabilitation programmes, or if you need help battling addiction, please contact us or call us today.
Read more about mindfulness and addiction recovery here:
https://siamrehab.com/benefits-of-practicing-mindfulness-in-recovery/
