Formal mindfulness practice predicts reductions in PTSD symptom severity following a mindfulness-based intervention for women with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder

Vanessa C. Somohano, Josh Kaplan, Aurora G. Newman, Maya O’Neil, Travis Lovejoy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Women with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) experience systemic barriers that place them in danger of poorer treatment outcomes. Some mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing PTSD and SUD symptoms. Mindfulness practice is a core component of MBIs, thought to elicit and maintain positive behavioral change; however, no research to our knowledge has assessed the role of mindfulness practice on sustained treatment gains among women with co-occurring PTSD-SUD. Such research is necessary to better inform MBIs for dually diagnosed women. Methods: This secondary analysis assessed whether post-intervention formal and informal mindfulness practice predicted reductions in PTSD symptoms and substance craving 6 months following an 8-session mindfulness-based relapse prevention intervention for women diagnosed with co-occurring PTSD-SUD (N = 23). Data were derived from a pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a trauma-integrated mindfulness-based relapse prevention program for women with co-occurring PTSD-SUD. Results: Greater duration of formal mindfulness practice (i.e., minutes per practice) predicted reduced total PTSD symptoms (β = − .670, p <.00), trauma-related avoidance (β = − .564, p =.01), arousal and reactivity (β = − .530, p =.02), and negative cognitions and mood (β = − .780, p <.01) six months following treatment. Informal practice did not predict any outcomes. Conclusions: This research highlights the potential role of formal mindfulness practice in sustaining reductions in PTSD symptoms over time among women with co-occurring PTSD-SUD. Further study of strategies to promote ongoing formal mindfulness practice in this population following a MBI are warranted. Trial registration The parent trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03505749).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number51
JournalAddiction Science and Clinical Practice
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

Keywords

  • Craving
  • Dual diagnosis
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness-based interventions
  • PTSD
  • Substance use disorder
  • Women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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