Despite decades of research and the availability of behavioral and pharmacological interventions to address drug and alcohol use disorders, addiction is still characterized as a chronic, relapsing condition. An estimated 60-80% of individuals relapse within 12 months following addiction treatment. Emerging research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions reduce relapse vulnerability by enhancing one’s ability to more adaptively cope with drug-craving and challenging emotions. This seminar will discuss mindfulness, its incorporation into traditional relapse prevention interventions, and the research supporting the use of such interventions. This seminar will also discuss real-world applications of mindfulness-based techniques to assist those struggling with addiction.
Dr. Gawrysiak is Assistant Professor of Psychology at West Chester University and Instructor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship in 2014 where he worked within the Centers for Studies of Addiction at the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. His research focuses on understanding brain and behavioral features of addiction and posttraumatic stress.”
