Mindfulness, substance-related addiction, and the implications for social work

This research paper is a thematic analysis of various studies on mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) strategies, and the effectiveness of MBIs in assisting individuals in reducing or ending their substance use issues. The paper begins with a general examination of the evidence-based findings concerning the effectiveness of MBIs, including an analysis of how MBIs are theorized to work in helping with addiction. Following this, the paper examines research that looks at various substance-using populations and the effectiveness of MBIs. Critical theory is integrated into this paper in terms of how mindfulness could be utilized as a consciousness-raising modality which offers the potential to connect individual issues with larger socio-structural concerns. The findings highlight mindfulness as an effective modality for those dealing with substance-related addiction issues.