Comparing mindfulness and relaxation techniques for treating alcohol use disorder

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Psycho-physical Interventions: Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) and Unguided Meditative Relaxation in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes · NCT04598399

This study is testing whether a mindfulness program can help people with alcohol use disorder stay sober better than a simple relaxation technique.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment168 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Angers and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04598399 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two psycho-physical interventions, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) and unguided meditative relaxation, in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The researchers aim to determine whether MBRP is more effective than a relaxation program in preventing relapse among individuals who have recently reduced their alcohol consumption. Participants must meet specific criteria related to their alcohol use and mental health status to be eligible for the study. The study is conducted at multiple locations in France, focusing on patients who have experienced moderate to severe AUD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder who have not consumed alcohol in the last 60 days.

Not a fit: Patients with severe depression, schizophrenia, or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective non-pharmacological treatment option for patients struggling with alcohol use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for mindfulness-based interventions in addiction treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having a moderate to severe alcohol use disorder according to DSM 5 criteria.
* The last drink must have been consumed at most in the last 60 days before the pre-inclusion visit. The patient must have had at least 1 HDD during the last drinking period

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe depression (Beck Depression Inventory\> 30)
* Schizophrenic disorder,
* Current maniac or hypomaniac episode,
* Patient with dementia or severe cognitive impairment that would prevent him/her from following the course of a session, as judged by the clinician.
* Insufficient French understanding to complete the questionnaires
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
* Absence of social security regimen
* Other mindfulness-based structured therapies
* Refusal to sign the written consent. • The patient is under safeguard of justice or state guardianship

Where this trial is running

Angers and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Alcohol Use Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.