More recently, a randomized controlled trial compared an eight-week MBRP course to treatment as usual (TAU), which consisted of 12-step-based process-oriented discussion and psychoeducation groups [117]. The majority of MBRP participants (86%) engaged in meditation practices immediately posttreatment and 54% continued practice for at least 4 months posttreatment (M = 4.74 days/week, up to 30 min/day). Compared to TAU, MBRP participants reported significantly reduced craving, and increased acceptance and mindful awareness over the 4-month follow-up period, consistent with the core goals of MBRP. Over the course of treatment, MBRP evinced fewer days of use compared to TAU (MBRP: M = .06 days, TAU: M = 2.57 days). These differences persisted at 2-month follow-up (2.08 days for MBRP vs. 5.43 days for TAU). Secondary analyses [118] showed that compared to TAU, MBRP participants evinced a decreased relation between depressive symptoms and craving following treatment. This attenuation was related to subsequent decreases in alcohol and other drug use, suggesting MBRP led to decreased craving in response to negative affect, thereby lessening the need to alleviate affective discomfort with alcohol and other drug
