Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) is an eight‐session, manualized aftercare program that weaves mindfulness meditation practices with cognitive‐behavioral relapse prevention skills to help clients cultivate present‐moment awareness, recognize automatic “relapse” patterns, and respond skillfully to triggers and cravings Guilford Press. Originally developed by Bowen, Chawla, Grow, and Marlatt, MBRP is delivered in group format and supplemented by home practice of formal and informal mindfulness exercises, fostering a sustainable, mindful lifestyle that supports long‐term recovery Scribd. Extensive research—including randomized trials and meta‐analyses—demonstrates that MBRP significantly reduces substance use, craving intensity, and negative affect, while enhancing emotional regulation, self‐compassion, and well‐being compared to treatment‐as‐usual and relapse prevention alone PMCJAMA Network.

Background and Purpose

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention was first articulated in 2009 as a structured eight‐week program adapting relapse prevention strategies to include mindfulness principles drawn from MBSR and MBCT PMC. Its goal is to interrupt the “autopilot” mode and habitual reactivity that often precipitate lapses and relapses by training clients to observe thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations nonjudgmentally Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute. MBRP was designed to fill an outpatient aftercare gap, extending gains from residential or intensive treatment into clients’ everyday environments Scribd.

Core Structure and Sessions

The eight sessions follow a consistent format—beginning with a brief meditation, reviewing home practice, introducing a thematic topic, experiential exercises, and planning for the week’s practices Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute. Session themes are:

1. Automatic Pilot & Relapse – Recognizing mindless patterns that lead to use Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

2. Awareness of Triggers & Craving – Noticing early signs of relapse Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

3. Mindfulness in Daily Life – Integrating short formal practices into routine activities Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

4. Mindfulness in High‐Risk Situations – Using awareness to navigate challenging contexts Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

5. Acceptance & Skillful Action – Cultivating equanimity and wise responses Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

6. Seeing Thoughts as Thoughts – Decentering from ruminative thinking Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

7. Self‐Care & Lifestyle Balance – Building supportive routines and self‐compassion Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

8. Social Support & Continuing Practice – Strengthening community ties and planning beyond the program Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute.

Key Techniques

• Formal Meditation Practices: Body scan, mindful breathing, and sitting meditation to anchor attention cipra.cl.

• Informal Practices: Mindful walking, mindful eating, and “three‐minute breathing space” to cultivate moment‐to‐moment awareness Home.

• Cognitive‐Behavioral Skills: Urge surfing, coping checklists, and relapse mapping integrated with mindfulness to recognize and “ride out” cravings PMC.

• Home Practice Logs: Structured daily logs and guided audio recordings to reinforce practice adherence Guilford Press.

Evidence of Effectiveness

A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials found that MBRP participants had significantly lower rates of relapse to substance use and heavy drinking at 2- and 4-month follow-ups compared to standard relapse prevention JAMA Network. Neuroimaging studies indicate that mindfulness training enhances prefrontal regulatory control and reduces amygdala reactivity to stress cues, mechanistically underpinning clinical outcomes PMC. Veteran‐focused research further demonstrates reductions in craving severity and improvements in emotion regulation post‐MBRP ScienceDirect.

Implications for Practice

MBRP offers a replicable, evidence‐based protocol suitable for diverse clinical settings—including dual‐diagnosis groups and behavioral addictions—with culturally responsive adaptations and technology‐assisted formats now available Guilford Press. Clinicians can integrate MBRP’s fidelity scales and session guides to ensure treatment integrity, while audio resources support client engagement outside sessions Guilford Press.