Mindfulness & Opioid Cravings

Summary

Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) is showing promise in reducing opioid cravings by rewiring the brain’s reward system, increasing positive emotions, and improving self-control. Studies show significant reductions in opioid use, pain severity, and cravings, making MORE a valuable tool in combating the opioid crisis. This article explores the benefits of MORE and its implications for geriatric care.

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** Main Story**

The opioid crisis? It’s still a huge problem, isn’t it? And it’s not just affecting one age group; older adults are increasingly vulnerable too. Traditional treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) often leave people stuck, battling cravings and the constant threat of relapse. But there’s a new therapy on the horizon that’s showing real promise: Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, or MORE. This approach blends mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and positive psychology to tackle the root causes of addiction.

How MORE Works: Rewiring the Brain

Think about it, opioid addiction messes with your brain’s reward system, hijacking your ability to enjoy simple pleasures. You know, the things that used to bring you joy – a good meal, a beautiful sunset. This leads to a really tough cycle where people crave opioids to fill that void, ignoring all the good stuff. MORE, however, aims to rewire that reward circuitry, helping people rediscover the capacity to actually savor positive experiences. And you know, it makes sense to teach someone how to enjoy their life, not to just endure it.

The Power of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is really at the heart of MORE. It’s about teaching people to be present in the moment, without judgment. I’m talking about observing thoughts, feelings, and even sensations as they come and go. I’ve tried mindful meditation, and it helps you become more self-aware and less reactive to those overwhelming cravings. Instead of just giving in to automatic impulses, you start making conscious choices. Imagine using mindful breathing during an intense craving or a body scan meditation, to shift focus away from that urge and toward the immediate experience. It’s a powerful tool.

Reappraisal and Savoring: Changing Your Perspective

Plus, MORE uses cognitive reappraisal, helping people challenge those negative thought patterns that drive addiction. Like, reframing those thoughts that cause relapse, helping to build resilience and a more positive outlook, which helps reduce stress. Moreover, and I think this is key, is the savoring aspect. People are encouraged to truly appreciate positive experiences. This involves being fully present when engaging in pleasurable activities like enjoying a meal, spending time in nature, or even just connecting with loved ones. It really helps to strengthen the brain’s reward response to natural stimuli. It’s like retraining your brain to find joy in the everyday things again, instead of just searching for a high.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: MORE’s Impact

So, does it actually work? Well, several studies suggest it does. For instance, research in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that MORE decreased opioid misuse by 45% at a nine-month follow-up, that’s nearly three times better than standard group therapy. And another study, this time in JAMA Psychiatry, found that MORE reduced program dropout rates by 59% and relapses by 42% among patients in methadone treatment. Those numbers? They speak for themselves. It really underscores MORE’s potential to really improve the lives of those struggling with OUD, don’t you think?

MORE and the Aging Population

We can’t ignore the fact that our population is aging, right? And with that comes an increase in chronic pain and, unfortunately, opioid use among older adults. MORE provides a solid approach to tackling these challenges within geriatric care. By weaving mindfulness into the picture, alongside other evidence-backed methods, MORE can help older adults manage pain, dial back their reliance on opioids, and boost their overall sense of well-being. You know what else? MORE can be adapted to fit the needs of older adults, by accounting for things like cognitive decline and physical limitations, and can be a game-changer for geriatricians and other healthcare pros working with older populations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of MORE

But the future for MORE is looking bright. Researchers are already looking at how it can be used for other substance use disorders, chronic pain, and even mental health challenges. As MORE becomes more widely recognized, it could really become a vital part of integrative health interventions, paving a road toward recovery for people of all ages. Its inclusion in geriatric care, in particular, is really exciting. It holds real promise for improving the quality of life for our elders, promoting healthy aging, and fighting the opioid crisis within that demographic. With ongoing research solidifying its effectiveness, MORE is poised to become a real force of change in the addiction treatment world, and beyond.