Mindfulness therapy alters brain responses to opioid cues in new study

An eight week mindfulness training program combined with standard medication shifted brain responses to opioid cues and reduced cravings, according to reports by MedicalResearch.com and Mount Sinai. The study evaluated Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement delivered alongside standard medications, including methadone or buprenorphine, for patients treated for opioid use disorder. [1][2]

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to track how participants reacted to drug triggers during the trial. MedicalResearch.com reported that Rita Z. Goldstein explained the results of the Mount Sinai study, which demonstrated measurable changes in neural responses when mindfulness therapy was added to standard medical care. [1][2]

Mindfulness is defined as a cognitive skill or state of intentionally maintaining moment by moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings without judgment. Opioid use disorder is a substance use disorder marked by persistent drug cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative physical or psychological consequences. [4][6]

MedicalResearch.com reported that mindfulness therapy was tested as an addition to standard treatments rather than a replacement. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that medications such as methadone and buprenorphine remain the established standard of care for individuals with opioid use disorder. [1]