Adaptation of mindfulness-based stress reduction program for addiction relapse prevention.

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) was offered in a community-based addiction treatment setting to provide skills training for relapse prevention. The population consisted of highly marginalized and poor African American and Latina women with histories of trauma. Through an iterative feedback process, the more systematized MBSR practices were adapted to meet the specific needs of this population. Adaptations focused on the role of stress in relapse prevention and addressed the following common sequelae of addiction and trauma—shortened attention span and sensitivity of particular body areas to revived traumatic memories—as well as low literacy levels of the population served. With appropriate adaptations, MBSR can be implemented successfully for relapse prevention in early recovery. Client ratings indicated high levels of acceptability and satisfaction.