Mindfulness-based substance abuse treatment (MBSAT) improves executive functions in adolescents with substance use disorders

Objective

Studies show promise for the treatment of substance abuse through mindfulness practice. However, the neural mechanisms of mindfulness practice for treating substance use disorders are still unclear. Evidence suggests that major deficits in executive functions such as inhibitory control, risky behavior and decision-making, psychological flexibility, and working memory are associated with a craving to use. The current study aims to investigate the efficacy of mindfulness practice on improving executive functions, assessed by neuroscientific tools, in a group of adolescents with methamphetamine use disorders.

Method

Forty adolescents (18–21 years old) with methamphetamine use disorders were selected and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 20) and control groups (n = 20). Subjects were assessed three times: before the intervention, immediately after and one month after treatment. Mindfulness-based substance abuse treatment (MBSAT) was administered for 12 sessions, two 50–60 minutes sessions per week.

Results

Results Mixed model ANOVAs analysis showed that mindfulness-based intervention improved executive functions in the experimental group compared to controls.

Conclusions

This study is the first to support the benefits of mindfulness-based practice in improving executive functions of adolescents with methamphetamine use disorders.