Neuroscience of Mindfulness-based Practices for Client Recovery and Support of People in the Addictions Workforce

Background: Self-regulation is essential for distress tolerance, managing cravings and fostering mental and physical wellbeing, whereas, poor self-regulation increases the risk of developing addictive behaviors as well as relapse/return to use. Research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions (MBI’s) foster self-regulation, reduce cravings, reduce traumatic stress symptoms and can prevent relapse/return to use. MBIs bring about clinically relevant changes to neural networks, physiological arousal, trauma, stress, and addictive behaviors through cognitive behavioral skill development and positive neuroadaptation – thus improving client outcomes. Equally important is the need for people in the addictions workforce to  take an active role in protecting their well-being to prevent burnout and stress. This presentation will provide highlights of our research on the neuroscience of mindfulness-based practices and their practical application for clients and addictions professionals.  Engaging in mindfulness based practices can support practitioners working in the addictions field while also developing important clinical skills that improve client success.

Methods: The presentation will cover the following elements: a.) overview of basic neuroscience of trauma, stress, craving, mindfulness, resiliency and neuroadaptation; b.) highlight our current research and its application to client and workforce wellbeing and resiliency; c.)  explain the science of mindfulness-based practices to support wellbeing and prevent burnout among people working in the field of addictions; d.)  explore the application of mindfulness based practices for sustainable recovery and relapse prevention; and e.) provide an overview of the scientific benefits of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being to prevent burnout and stress among people working in the field of addictions.

Conclusions: At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to

1.     Identify evidence-based mindfulness practices, and how they support prevention and sustained recovery.

2.     Describe the basic neurophysiology of how mindfulness-based practices support resiliency and wellbeing across the lifespan.

3.     Recognize the importance of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being to prevent burnout and stress among people working in the field of addictions

4.     Explain how mindfulness skills may be used to reduce craving and support the establishment of positive neuroadaptation to improve outcomes.

5.     Understand the role of the nervous system and key parts of the brain in response to trauma, stress and craving in relation to substance use and addiction