Hvordan kan oppmerksomt nærvær hjelpe ved rusproblemer?

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions are feasible for individuals with substance-use disorders, and their effects are at least comparable to other interventions. To use these interventions wisely clinicians need to know why they are using mindfulness and how to integrate mindfulness with other approaches. The authors suggest that mindfulness-training provides experiential practice in functional attention and emotion regulation. Both skills are helpful in managing reactivity and impulsivity, in making better decisions, and in increasing self-care and enhancing mentalizing abilities. The authors provide examples of how to use mindfulness when facing triggers and cravings. Although defined as paying purposeful, non-judgemental attention to present experience, mindfulness is compatible with therapeutic use of distraction and visualization. The authors recommend mindfulness as part of the therapeutic «tool kit» in the treatment of substance-use disorders. Keywords: distraction, mindfulness, substance-dependence, treatment