"Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviors" by Sarah Bowen, Neha Chawla, and G. Alan Marlatt is the authoritative manual detailing the Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) program. While designated as a "Clinician's Guide," the book contains the full curriculum and principles of one of the most effective, evidence-based interventions for maintaining long-term sobriety. MBRP is a powerful synthesis of G. Alan Marlatt's traditional Cognitive Behavioral Relapse Prevention and the core practices of mindfulness meditation.

The core message is that relapse is not a failure of character, but a predictable response to triggers that can be managed and neutralized through mindful awareness. The book teaches individuals to identify high-risk situations (traditional RP) and then apply mindfulness to radically change their relationship with cravings and difficult emotions. Key techniques include "surfing the urge"—observing a craving as a temporary wave that will pass without being acted upon—and recognizing triggers with non-judgmental awareness. This approach empowers individuals to interrupt the automatic link between an internal or external trigger and the compulsive desire to use, providing a sustainable pathway to freedom.

Study Guide for Recovery

This study guide is designed to help you explore the core principles of the MBRP curriculum and apply these mindfulness tools to your daily path toward sobriety.

Key Themes & Concepts

• MBRP: The intentional integration of Mindfulness (non-judgmental awareness of present experience) and Relapse Prevention (identifying high-risk situations and coping skills).
• Surfing the Urge: The central metaphor for coping with craving. You learn to observe the physical and emotional sensations of a craving without judgment, knowing that it will rise and eventually fall, like a wave.
• Non-Judgmental Awareness: Practicing observation of thoughts and feelings without labeling them as "good" or "bad," which reduces the shame that drives compulsive reaction.
• The High-Risk Situation: Identifying personal triggers and recognizing that the time between a trigger and a potential slip is the critical window for applying mindfulness skills.

Discussion Questions

1. Identify your most common high-risk situation (e.g., Friday night isolation, a specific emotional state). What is one MBRP skill you will use to create a mindful pause in that situation this week?
2. Think about the last strong craving you had. Break it down: What did the physical sensations of the urge feel like? How can you practice "surfing the urge" by noticing these sensations without reacting to them?
3. The book emphasizes non-judgmental awareness. What is one self-critical thought you can consciously replace with a simple, compassionate observation (e.g., "I am noticing a thought of shame")?
4. The traditional H.A.L.T. acronym asks: Are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? How can you bring a mindful presence to a H.A.L.T. state to prevent it from escalating into a relapse trigger?
5. What is one small, simple mindfulness practice (e.g., mindful eating, a one-minute breathing break) you can commit to daily to strengthen your "mindfulness muscle" before a craving arises?

Additional Resources

• Video: "Surfing the Urge" Technique Explained:
  • Watch a short video that clearly illustrates the process of "surfing the urge" and how to apply this technique to cravings. (Search "surfing the urge technique" on YouTube.)
• Article: "Mindfulness and Addiction Treatment: The Evidence for MBRP"
  • This article discusses the scientific studies and empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention model. (Search "Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention evidence".)
• Website: The MBRP Resource Center (Based on the book's work):
  • Explore the official platform for MBRP resources, where you can find further information on the program's structure and principles. (Search "Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention website".)
• Resource: Guided Body Scan Meditation:
  • The body scan is a fundamental mindfulness practice used in MBRP. Find a guided audio track to help you practice non-judgmental awareness of body sensations. (Search "Mindfulness body scan guided meditation".)