A mindfulness-based intervention for craving reduction in gambling and video gaming disorder: A case study.
Craving has been hypothesized to play a key role in problematic gaming and gambling, and mindfulness-based therapeutic techniques have been designed to specifically address craving in these conditions. In general, it is assumed that heightened mindfulness, developed through mindfulness practice, leads to improved self-regulation and diminished impulsivity, subsequently reducing the urge to engage in addictive behaviors. However, studies trying to unveil this mechanisms of this effect are scarce, and most of them analyze only average inter-group and within-group pre-post differences.
As far as we know, there have been no published studies that explore the potential immediate effects of mindfulness sessions on craving dynamics during the intervention. This study aims to fill this gap by thoroughly analyzing the daily changes in craving levels before, during, and after an 8-week mindfulness-based program designed to reduce craving and prevent relapse. We will select a maximum of six participants who exhibit noticeable levels of subjective craving at baseline from various groups that are currently undergoing this treatment. The study will involve baseline analysis for two weeks before the intervention, four weeks of intervention, one return-to-baseline week, four more weeks of intervention, and two final weeks post-intervention.
Mixed-effects models will be used to analyze changes in day-to-day craving levels, which will be recorded using an electronic diary. The purpose of this analysis is to identify any changes that can be attributed to the presence of mindfulness sessions (either guided or autonomous). In addition to the potential benefits of accumulated mindfulness practice (chronic effect), we also expect to observe changes in daily levels of craving that are influenced by the time since the last mindfulness session (acute effect).
The expected results have potential implications that go beyond the study's immediate scope, providing valuable insights into the potential use of mindfulness-based interventions for behavioral addictions. The intersectionality of gambling and video game addiction provides a nuanced perspective that recognizes shared underlying mechanisms, while also acknowledging the unique challenges posed by each behavior. The findings are expected to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting mindfulness as a viable adjunct addiction treatment. This case analysis explores the intricacies of craving reduction, aiming to inform future interventions, policy considerations, and therapeutic practices that address the complex and pervasive issue of addiction in contemporary society.
