Systematic Reviews of Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder: Should we be using Third Wave Therapies?
Abstract
Third wave therapies have shown efficacy for treating emotional disorders and potential for treating substance use disorders. There is developing interest in whether they can more specifically be used for treating alcohol use disorders (AUDs). We were interested in whether third wave therapies have value alongside current evidence-based psychosocial treatments for AUDs. We conducted systematic reviews of third wave therapies for AUDs. We searched PsycINFO, Embase and Medline for peer reviewed journal articles where mindfulness or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) were used to treat adults with AUDs or alcohol use that caused impairment. We identified 11 studies where mindfulness was used for treating AUDs and 6 where ACT was used for AUDs. The studies identified included RCTs, non-randomized controlled studies and uncontrolled studies. We found preliminary support that both third wave therapies are better than no treatment, treatments of minimal efficacy, as well as some evidence they are comparable to effective psychosocial treatments for AUDs. We conclude ACT and mindfulness provide an alternative to existing treatments, particularly for patients who have not responded to, or have disengaged from, standard treatments. W...Continue Reading
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Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder involves a pattern of alcohol consumption that includes compulsive use and a loss of control over intake of alcohol. The impact on physical health, socioeconomic factors, and psychiatric health is profound. Find the latest research on alcohol use disorder here.