Mindfulness training for smoking cessation: results from a randomized control trial
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
Background:
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, and long-term abstinence rates remain modest. Mindfulness training (MT) has begun to show benefits in a number of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and more recently, in addictions. However, MT has not been evaluated for smoking cessation through randomized clinical trials.
Methods:
88 treatment-seeking, nicotine-dependent adults who were smoking an average of 20 cigarettes/day were randomly assigned to receive MT or the American Lung Association's freedom from smoking (FFS) treatment. Both treatments were delivered twice weekly over 4 weeks (eight sessions total) in a group format. The primary outcomes were expired-air carbon monoxide-confirmed 7-day point prevalence abstinence and number of cigarettes/day at the end of the 4-week treatment and at a follow-up interview at week 17.
Results:
88% of individuals received MT and 84% of individuals received FFS completed treatment. Compared to those randomized to the FFS intervention, individuals who received MT showed a greater rate of reduction in cigarette use during treatment and maintained these gains during follow-up (F = 11.11, p = .001). They also exhibited a trend toward greater point prevalence abstinence rate at the end of treatment (36% vs. 15%, p = .063), which was significant at the 17-week follow-up (31% vs. 6%, p = .012).
Conclusions:
This initial trial of mindfulness training may confer benefits greater than those associated with current standard treatments for smoking cessation.
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Authors
Judson A. Brewer
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Sarah Mallik
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Theresa A. Babuscio
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Charla Nich
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Hayley E. Johnson
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Cameron M. Deleone
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Candace A. Minnix-Cotton
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Shannon A. Byrne
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Hedy Kober
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Andrea J. Weinstein
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Kathleen M. Carroll
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Bruce J. Rounsaville
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Journal
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
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Author's primary institution
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Yoga as a Complementary Treatment for Smoking Cessation in Women
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
Background:
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, and long-term abstinence rates remain modest. Mindfulness training (MT) has begun to show benefits in a number of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and more recently, in addictions. However, MT has not been evaluated for smoking cessation through randomized clinical trials.
Methods:
88 treatment-seeking, nicotine-dependent adults who were smoking an average of 20 cigarettes/day were randomly assigned to receive MT or the American Lung Association's freedom from smoking (FFS) treatment. Both treatments were delivered twice weekly over 4 weeks (eight sessions total) in a group format. The primary outcomes were expired-air carbon monoxide-confirmed 7-day point prevalence abstinence and number of cigarettes/day at the end of the 4-week treatment and at a follow-up interview at week 17.
Results:
88% of individuals received MT and 84% of individuals received FFS completed treatment. Compared to those randomized to the FFS intervention, individuals who received MT showed a greater rate of reduction in cigarette use during treatment and maintained these gains during follow-up (F = 11.11, p = .001). They also exhibited a trend toward greater point prevalence abstinence rate at the end of treatment (36% vs. 15%, p = .063), which was significant at the 17-week follow-up (31% vs. 6%, p = .012).
Conclusions:
This initial trial of mindfulness training may confer benefits greater than those associated with current standard treatments for smoking cessation.
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Authors
Beth C. Bock
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Joseph L. Fava
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Ronnesia Gaskins
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Kathleen M. Morrow
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David M. Williams
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Ernestine Jennings
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Bruce M. Becker
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Geoffrey Tremont
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Bess H. Marcus
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Journal
Centers for Behavioural and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
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Author's primary institution
Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
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Meditation-induced changes in high-frequency heart rate variability predict smoking outcomes
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
Background:
High-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) is a measure of parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) output that has been associated with enhanced self-regulation. Low resting levels of HF-HRV are associated with nicotine dependence and blunted stress-related changes in HF-HRV are associated with decreased ability to resist smoking. Meditation has been shown to increase HF-HRV. However, it is unknown whether tonic levels of HF-HRV or acute changes in HF-HRV during meditation predict treatment responses in addictive behaviors such as smoking cessation.
Purpose:
To investigate the relationship between HF-HRV and subsequent smoking outcomes.
Methods:
HF-HRV during resting baseline and during mindfulness meditation was measured within two weeks of completing a 4-week smoking cessation intervention in a sample of 31 community participants. Self-report measures of smoking were obtained at a follow up 17-weeks after the initiation of treatment.
Results:
Regression analyses indicated that individuals exhibiting acute increases in HF-HRV from resting baseline to meditation smoked fewer cigarettes at follow-up than those who exhibited acute decreases in HF-HRV (b = −4.89, p = 0.008).
Conclusion:
Acute changes in HF-HRV in response to meditation may be a useful tool to predict smoking cessation treatment response.
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Authors
Daniel J. Libby
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Patrick D. Worhunsky
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Corey E. Pilver
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Judson A. Brewer
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Journal
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
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Author's primary institution
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Hatha Yoga on Craving to Smoke
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
Introduction:
Recent studies have examined the effects of physical activity on craving to smoke and smoking withdrawal. The current study was designed to compare and contrast the effects of 2 different forms of physical activity on general and cue-elicited craving to smoke.
Methods:
Following 1-hr nicotine abstinence, 76 daily smokers were randomly assigned to engage in a 30-min bout of cardiovascular exercise (CE; brisk walk on a treadmill), Hatha yoga (HY), or a nonactivity control condition. Participants completed measures of craving and mood, and a smoking cue reactivity assessment, before, immediately following, and approximately 20 min after the physical activity or control conditions.
Results:
Compared with the control condition, participants in each of the physical activity groups reported a decrease in craving to smoke, an increase in positive affect, and a decrease in negative affect. In addition, craving in response to smoking cues was specifically reduced among those who engaged in CE, whereas those who engaged in HY reported a general decrease in cravings.
Conclusions:
This study provides further support for the use of exercise bouts for attenuating cigarette cravings during temporary nicotine abstinence. Results also suggest that CE can attenuate cravings in response to smoking cues. There are several areas for further research that may improve integration of exercise within smoking cessation treatment.
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Authors
Andrea Elibero
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Kate Janse Van Rensburg
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David J. Drobes
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Journal
Nicotine and Tobacco Research
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Author's primary institution
Tobacco Research and Intervention Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, 4115 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, Florida, USA
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A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
This paper reviews the philosophical origins, current scientific evidence, and clinical promise of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction.
Historically, there are eight elements of yoga that, together, comprise ethical principles and practices for living a meaningful, purposeful, moral and self-disciplined life. Traditional yoga practices, including postures and meditation, direct attention toward one's health, while acknowledging the spiritual aspects of one's nature.
Mindfulness derives from ancient Buddhist philosophy, and mindfulness meditation practices, such as gentle Hatha yoga and mindful breathing, are increasingly integrated into secular health care settings. Current theoretical models suggest that the skills, insights, and self-awareness learned through yoga and mindfulness practice can target multiple psychological, neural, physiological, and behavioral processes implicated in addiction and relapse.
A small but growing number of well-designed clinical trials and experimental laboratory studies on smoking, alcohol dependence, and illicit substance use support the clinical effectiveness and hypothesized mechanisms of action underlying mindfulness-based interventions for treating addiction. Because very few studies have been conducted on the specific role of yoga in treating or preventing addiction, we propose a conceptual model to inform future studies on outcomes and possible mechanisms.
Additional research is also needed to better understand what types of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions work best for what types of addiction, what types of patients, and under what conditions. Overall, current findings increasingly support yoga and mindfulness as promising complementary therapies for treating and preventing addictive behaviors.
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Authors
Surbhi Khanna
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Jeffrey M. Greeson
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Journal
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
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Author's primary institution
Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Yoga for addictions: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
Background:
It has been suggested that yoga may be effective in the management of mental health disorders including addictions.
Objective:
To critically evaluate the evidence of effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for addictions.
Methods:
Fourteen electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2013. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any type of yoga against any type of control in individuals with any type of addiction were eligible. Methodological quality was appraised using Cochrane criteria.
Results:
Eight RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Most of these RCTs were small with serious methodological flaws. The types of addictions included in these studies were alcohol, drug and nicotine addiction. Seven RCTs suggested that various types of yoga, including hatha yoga (HY), Iyengar yoga, nidra yoga, pranayama or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus vinyasa yoga, led to significantly more favourable results for addictions compared to various control interventions. One RCT indicated that a methadone maintenance programme (MMP) plus HY had no effect on drug use and criminal activities compared with MMP plus psychotherapy.
Conclusions:
Although the results of this review are encouraging, large RCTs are needed to better determine the benefits of yoga for addiction.
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Authors
Paul Posadzki
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Jiae Choi
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Myeong Soo Lee
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Edzard Ernst
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Journal
Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Author's primary institution
Medical Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
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Mind–body practices: An alternative, drug-free treatment for smoking cessation? A systematic review of the literature
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
Objective:
The limited success of current smoking cessation therapies encourages research into new treatment strategies. Mind–body practices such as yoga and meditation have the potential to aid smoking cessation and become an alternative drug-free treatment option. The aim of this article is to assess the efficacy of yoga and other meditation-based interventions for smoking cessation, to identify the challenges of clinical trials applying mind–body treatments, and to outline directions for future research on these types of therapies to assist in smoking cessation.
Methods:
A systematic review of the scientific literature.
Results:
Fourteen clinical trials met the inclusion criteria defined for this review. Each article was reviewed thoroughly, and evaluated for quality, design, and methodology. Although primary outcomes differed between studies, the fourteen articles, most with limitations, reported promising effects supporting further investigation of the use of these practices to improve smoking cessation.
Conclusions:
The literature supports yoga and meditation-based therapies as candidates to assist smoking cessation. However, the small number of studies available and associated methodological problems require more clinical trials with larger sample sizes and carefully monitored interventions to determine rigorously if yoga and meditation are effective treatments.
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Authors
Laura Carim-Todd
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Suzanne H. Mitchell
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Barry S. Oken
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Journal
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
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Author's primary institution
Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
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Effect of rhythmic breathing (Sudarshan Kriya and Pranayam) on immune functions and tobacco addiction.
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
Stress, a psychophysiological process, acts through the immune-neuroendocrine axis and affects cellular processes of body and immune functions, leading to disease states including cancer. Stress is also linked to the habit of tobacco consumption and substance abuse, which in turn also leads to diseases. Sudarshan Kriya (SK) and Pranayam (P), rhythmic breathing processes, are known to reduce stress and improve immune functions.
Cancer patients who had completed their standard therapy were studied.
SK and P increased natural killer (NK) cells significantly (P <0.001) at 12 and 24 weeks of the practice compared to baseline. Increase in NK cells at 24 weeks was significant (P<0.05) compared to controls. There was no effect on T-cell subsets after SK and P either in the study group or among controls. SK and P helped to control the tobacco habit in 21% of individuals who were followed up to 6 months of practice.
We conclude that the inexpensive and easy to learn and practice breathing processes (SK and P) in this study demonstrated an increase in NK cells and a reduction in tobacco consumption. When confirmed in large and randomized studies, this result could mean that the regular practice of SK and P might reduce the incidence and progression of cancer.
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Authors
V Kochupillai
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P Kumar
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D Singh
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D Aggarwal
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N Bhardwaj
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M Bhutani
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S N Das
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Journal
Annals of The New York Academy of Sciences
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Author's primary institution
Department of Medical Oncology, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Between Inhale and Exhale: Yoga as an Intervention in Smoking Cessation
Practice
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
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Abstract
The current study provided a review of evidence-based yoga interventions’ impact on smoking cessation. The researchers reviewed articles obtained from MEDLINE (PubMed), EBSCOHOST, PROQUEST, MEDINDIA, CINAHL, Alt HealthWatch, and AMED databases. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) study published between 2004 and 2013, (b) study published in English language, (c) study used yoga-based interventions, (d) study involved smokers with varying level of smoking, (e) study used any quantitative design, and (f) study had physiological and/or psychological outcomes. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Designs were 2 pre–post tests and 8 randomized controlled trials. Majority of the interventions were able to enhance quitting smoking rates in the participants under study. Yoga-based interventions hold promise for smoking cessation. Some of the limitations include short follow-up measurements and short duration of intervention.
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Authors
Chia-Liang Dai
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Manoj Sharma
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Journal
Evidenced based complementary and alternative medicine
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Author's primary institution
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Smoking
Jean Hall by KarenYeomans.com
