Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention for Stimulant Users

Both MBRP and ED participants will be assessed at baseline, treatment-end, and 1 month post-treatment. 2) To test the impact of MBRP compared to ED on negative affect, stimulant use, and health care outcomes. 3) To evaluate the differential effects of MBRP versus ED on HIV-risk behavior of participants, and 4) To examine potential mechanisms of action of MBRP, including reductions in stress reactivity and biological indicators of arousal such as blood pressure and heart rate. The investigators hypothesize that MBRP will be more efficacious than ED in reducing negative affect and stimulant use. Further, the investigators expect that MBRP will produce greater reductions in HIV-risk behaviors, stress reactivity, and arousal, and these changes will be associated with substance use outcomes. MBRP incorporates specific substance-focused cognitive therapy techniques with an additional emphasis on mindfulness skills. By providing coping skills to address affect regulation and stress reactivity, two important factors in stimulant relapse, MBRP may provide a promising augmenting strategy for the treatment of stimulant users.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 to 59
• DSM-IV diagnosis of Stimulant Dependence
• Able to provide informed consent
• Willing and able to participate in study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of life threatening or unstable medical illness, such as acute pulmonary, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal disease, that would require treatment or make study participation difficult
• Lack of proficiency in English
• Currently homeless (unless residing in a recovery home for which contact information can be provided)
• Dependence on an illicit substance for which medical detoxification is imminently needed.
• Presence of clinically significant psychiatric symptoms as assessed by MINI, such as psychosis or acute mania, that would require ongoing treatment or make study compliance difficult.