Frequently asked questions about Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)
What is addiction?
If you’ve struggled with addiction to drink or drugs, you may have found that it’s easy to kick the habit in the short-term, but much harder to keep this going in the long-term. You may give up the habit, stay clean for a while, then slip back into it…and so on. Addiction tends to be associated with a high frequency of relapse. This has led psychologists and other professionals working with people with an addiction to develop strategies for preventing relapse. Often the problem can be not so much stopping an addictive behaviour, but staying stopped after initially giving up.
Why meditation for addiction?
On this course you will be learning to practise mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is a quality of being fully aware of our experience. There are three main advantages to mindfulness meditation:
- Mindfulness helps us cope with situations that might lead to a relapse by making us aware of triggers that can lead to relapse.
- Mindfulness helps us learn how to experience difficult situations without the need for a substance or other addictive behaviour.
- Developing awareness can lead to a more vivid and enjoyable appreciation of our experience. It can also give us the perspective to make more fulfilling choices in our life.
What happens on the addiction course?
In six two-and-a-half hour sessions, we will learn new ways of dealing with what goes on in our minds, and to review experiences of practising this with other class members. This forms the basis for learning to tolerate difficult experiences and to be able to make wise choices. The practices are not a quick fix. Like any tool they can only benefit if you practise using them.
How many people will there be in a class?
There may be up to 25 people in the class. Since many people have had addiction problems and are at risk of relapse, you will learn these skills in a class with other people who have had addiction problems.
Will I have to do home-practice between course sessions?
There will be daily practices to do between course sessions. You will need to find at least one hour a day for practising these skills. If you don't think you make this commitment at the moment, it might not be the best time for you to do this course.
We suggest that you to approach the classes with a spirit of patience and persistence, committing yourself to put time and effort into what will be asked of you, while accepting that the fruits of your efforts may not show straight away.
What if I don’t have time?
We appreciate that it is often difficult to carve out time in an already busy life to do the home-practice. We’ll be encouraging you to do what you can to help yourself stay free from addiction. The more you can commit to practising between classes the more you will benefit from the course.
Can you use drugs or alcohol while on the course?
No. This course is not suitable if you are still using drugs or alcohol (as part of your addiction), since meditation is not effective if you are taking intoxicating substances.
Will the course bring up painful feelings?
The course teaches us how to be more fully aware. The good news is that this makes life more interesting, vivid and fulfilling. It also means facing what is present, even when it is unpleasant and difficult. Turning to face difficulties is the most effective way, in the long run, to prevent potential relapse.
Will I have to reveal myself to strangers?
You will not have to reveal anything you don’t want to. The course focuses on current experience and how to work with relapse-provoking thoughts and emotions – it is not about trying to find the cause of your addiction.
What if I am nervous about coming alone?
If you let us know beforehand, we can arrange for you to have a chat with someone on the phone first. A team leader will be happy to meet you a little before the class to show you in and keep an eye on you until you feel settled in the group.
Do I need to be interested in Buddhism to attend?
No. This is not a Buddhist course.
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