Cited by 306Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsSubstance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesNeural and Behavioral Psychology Studies

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Mindfulness meditation improves emotion regulation and reduces drug abuse

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Tang, Yi-Yuan, Tang, Rongxiang, Posner, Michael I.·2016·Drug and Alcohol Dependence

DOI 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.11.041

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The core clinical symptoms of addiction include an enhanced incentive for drug taking (craving), impaired self-control (impulsivity and compulsivity), emotional dysregulation (negative mood) and increased stress reactivity. Symptoms related to impaired self-control involve reduced activity in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), adjacent prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and other brain areas. Behavioral training such as mindfulness meditation can increase the function of control networks including those leading to improved emotion regulation and thus may be a promising approach for the treatment of addiction. METHODS: In a series of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we tested whether increased ACC/mPFC activity is related to better self-control abilities in executive functions, emotion regulation and stress response in healthy and addicted populations. After a brief mindfulness training (Integrative Body-Mind Training, IBMT), we used the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) to measure emotion regulation, salivary cortisol for the stress response and fMRI for brain functional and DTI structural changes. Relaxation training was used to serve as an active control. RESULTS: In both smokers and nonsmokers, improved self-control abilities in emotion regulation and stress reduction were found after training and these changes were related to increased ACC/mPFC activity following training. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers showed reduced ACC/mPFC activity in the self-control network before training, and these deficits were ameliorated after training. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that promoting emotion regulation and improving ACC/mPFC brain activity can help for addiction prevention and treatment.

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“Following mindfulness interventions, there is an observed increase in activation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), regions intimately involved in emotional regulation [28].”
Prevalence of psychotic-like experiences among Afghan migrant children and adolescents: examining the predictive role of childhood trauma, mindfulness, and cognitive flexibility
Rezaee, A. R., Hosseini, S. R., & Firoozabadi, A. (2025) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-025-06979-x · Cited by 4
“Mindfulness is potentially associated with increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in emotion regulation-the mechanism discussed above [34–36].”
Psychological Determinants of Drug Abuse among Male Adolescents in Isfahan: A Structural Model
Nosratabadi, M., & Halvaiepour, Z. (2019) · International Journal of Preventive Medicine · doi:10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_23_17 · Cited by 3
“Consistent with the results of other studies[32,33] based on theoretical foundations, it seems adolescents with high levels of mindfulness would be better able to recognize disturbing experiences and with lower likelihood being engaged in substance abuse behaviors as a way to deal with such experiences.”
Emotional difficulties among individuals with alcohol use disorder: the mediating role of psychological mechanisms linked to mindfulness
Cavicchioli, M., Ramella, P., Simone, G., Vassena, G., Movalli, M., & Maffei, C. (2020) · Journal of Substance Use · doi:10.1080/14659891.2020.1745310 · Cited by 3
ПРАКТИКА МАЙНДФУЛНЕС У ПСИХОТЕРАПЕВТИЧНІЙ ПРАКТИЦІ
Мотрук, Т. О. (2023) · Слобожанський науковий вісник. Серія Психологія. · doi:10.32782/psyspu/2023.2.5 · Cited by 3
Decoding meditation mechanisms underlying brain preservation and psycho-affective health in older expert meditators and older meditation-naive participants
Haudry, S., Turpin, A., Landeau, B., Mézenge, F., Delarue, M., Hébert, O., Marchant, N. L., Klimecki, O., Collette, F., Gonneaud, J., et al. (2024) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-79687-3 · Cited by 3
Experienced Meditators Show Enhanced Interaction Between Brain and Heart Functioning
Wang, M. Y., Corcoran, A. W., McQueen, B., Freedman, G., Humble, G., Fitzgibbon, B. M., Fitzgerald, P. B., & Bailey, N. W. (2024) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-024-02482-8 · Cited by 3
“Enhanced attentional functioning and reduced emotional reactivity are both associated with modulation of the ACC in meditators (Tang et al., 2016; Wheeler et al., 2017; Zsadanyi et al., 2021).”
Using virtual reality mediation in a workplace setting for employees with disabilities: A pilot study
Kuo, H. J., Newbutt, N. A., George, S., & Laird, M. (2025) · Computers & Education X Reality · doi:10.1016/j.cexr.2025.100093 · Cited by 3
Telehealth tDCS to reduce cannabis use: A pilot RCT in multiple sclerosis as a framework for generalized use
Pilloni, G., Pehel, S., Ko, T., Sammarco, C. L., Charlson, R. E., Hanlon, C. A., & Charvet, L. E. (2025) · Drug and Alcohol Dependence · doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112706 · Cited by 3
Impulsivität und assoziierte Konstrukte bei drogenabhängigen Patienten
Reichl, D., Bonn, E., Enewoldsen, N., Schwenzner, S., & Steins‐Loeber, S. (2021) · SUCHT - Zeitschrift für Wissenschaft und Praxis / Journal of Addiction Research and Practice · doi:10.1024/0939-5911/a000706 · Cited by 3
Borderline Personality Disorder as a Predictor of Drug Use Variety: Cognitive Vs. Affective Mechanisms
Wojciechowski, T. W. (2021) · Journal of Psychoactive Drugs · doi:10.1080/02791072.2021.2009067 · Cited by 3
“Dysfunction in emotion regulation may lead to rumination on these emotions and coping by using drugs to reduce negative affect (Gold, Stathopoulou, and Otto 2020; Tang, Tang, and Posner 2016).”
Background
Rethinking Future Directions of the Mindfulness Field
Tang, Y. (2017) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-46322-3_9 · Cited by 3
Self-citation
Factors of Negative Affect in Elderly Patients With Substance Use Disorders During COVID-19 Pandemic
Wang, Q., Wang, Y., Zuo, J., Zhou, Y., Yang, W. F. Z., Liao, Y., Tang, J., Wang, X., Yang, Q., Wu, Q., et al. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.697472 · Cited by 3
Effects of a mindfulness intervention on emotion differentiation and heart rate variability
Guendelman, S., Lutz, M., Koenig, J., Bayer, M., & Dziobek, I. (2025) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2025.1515334 · Cited by 3
Network analysis of problematic smartphone use, depression, and anxiety, and their relationships with mindfulness among medical students
Chen, Z., Bai, J., Hu, Y., Zhou, B., & Wang, Y. (2026) · Journal of Psychiatric Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2026.02.014 · Cited by 3
Efficacy of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention in Underserved Individuals Receiving Inpatient Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Pilot Study
Kennelly, N., & Ray, S. (2023) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.40525 · Cited by 2
“It has been shown to decrease drug craving and relapse, and improve emotional regulation, stress, pain, depression, and anxiety [14,17,18,26-28].”
Background
Effectiveness of Reality Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Academic Meaning and Academic Emotions of Procrastinating Students
Asani, S., Panahali, A., Abdi, R., & Gargari, R. B. (2023) · Modern Care Journal · doi:10.5812/mcj-137148 · Cited by 9
“The investigations carried out in relation to the research background also show that the present finding is implicitly in line with studies that have been conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of MBCT in emotions (43, 44)).”
Result
An 8‐week compassion and mindfulness–based exposure therapy program improves posttraumatic stress symptoms
Kummar, A. S., Correia, H., Tan, J., & Fujiyama, H. (2023) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.2929 · Cited by 4
The Influence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Self-Control, Mental Health, and Mindfulness in Women Affected by Intimate Partner Violence
(2024) · European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences · doi:10.34104/ejmhs.024.01890200 · Cited by 2
The Effect of Mindfulness Meditation on Mental Illness among Nurse in ICU and ICCU
Hatmalyakin, D., Utami, Y. W., & Wihastuti, T. A. (2019) · Research Journal of Life Science · doi:10.21776/ub.rjls.2019.006.01.8 · Cited by 2
Exploring virtual reality technology and the role of mindfulness in promoting nuclear power knowledge and public acceptance in China
Rufai, O. H., Chu, J., Muhideen, S., Shahani, R., & Amosun, T. S. (2021) · International Journal of Green Energy · doi:10.1080/15435075.2021.1992412 · Cited by 2
The Role of Mindfulness in Treating Addictive Disorders and Rehabilitation
Kathirasan, K. (2018) · International Journal of Psychology & Behavior Analysis · doi:10.15344/2455-3867/2018/155 · Cited by 4
Neurocognitive mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions for addiction
Garland, E. L., Bryan, M. A., Hanley, A. W., & Howard, M. O. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815298-0.00021-6 · Cited by 3
Bases biológicas del mindfulness y su aplicación en la práctica clínica
Gómez, S. M., Peñaloza, M., Rodríguez, N. B., & Alba, L. H. (2022) · Universitas Médica · doi:10.11144/javeriana.umed63-2.mind · Cited by 4
White matter integrity of right frontostriatal circuit predicts internet addiction severity among internet gamers
Zhou, H., Gong, L., Su, C., Teng, B., Xi, W., Li, X., Geng, F., & Hu, Y. (2024) · Addiction Biology · doi:10.1111/adb.13399 · Cited by 2
“14,15 For example, previous human studies have found that reduced dACC activity in response to errors predicts cocaine relapse, 16 while increased dACC activity is observed in individuals who have successfully maintained long-term cocaine abstinence.”
Background
You are what your mother ate
Dearden, L., & Ozanne, S. E. (2017) · Physiology News · doi:10.36866/pn.106.26 · Cited by 2
(Neuro)therapeutic Approaches in the Field of Alcohol Use Disorders
Beck, A., Rosenthal, A., Auriacombe, M., & Romanczuk‐Seiferth, N. (2020) · Current Addiction Reports · doi:10.1007/s40429-020-00324-w · Cited by 2
Positive impacts of a universal trauma-informed intervention on student mental health: The Project POWER trial
Mendelson, T., Clary, L. K., Musci, R. J., Sheridan, S., Webb, L., Sibinga, E., Mmari, K., Welna, A., & Ialongo, N. (2025) · Journal of School Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2025.101469 · Cited by 3
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Psychiatry
Ivkovic, A., Evans, S., Mirsky, P., Ashar, Y. K., & Muskin, P. R. (2024) · Tasman’s Psychiatry · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-51366-5_159 · Cited by 1
Impulsivity and addictions
Hronis, A., Ma, S., & Ashworth, G. (2024) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-443-13437-1.00006-9 · Cited by 2
INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS STYLES OF MANTRA CHANTING ON STUDENT’S COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
Baboo, A. G. K., & Jain, D. (2024) · Divyayatan - A Journal of Lakulish Yoga University. · doi:10.69919/nx8aw676 · Cited by 1
Association between emotional intelligence and decision-making styles in individuals with substance use disorders
Dağlı, D. A., Arabacı, L. B., Taş, G., & Cengisiz, C. (2025) · Journal of Substance Use · doi:10.1080/14659891.2025.2494533 · Cited by 1
“In other words, emotional intelligence is defined as the capacity to regulate and recognize emotions, as well as to maintain composure in the face of challenging circumstances (Tang et al., 2016).”
Dynamics of ACC excitatory neurons during reversal learning: Implications for cognitive flexibility
Zhang, M., Shen, F., Liao, C., Liu, S., Wang, H., & Li, C. (2025) · Behavioural Brain Research · doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2025.115902 · Cited by 1
A tudatos jelenlét képzésének jelentősége a mentális egészségügyi szakemberek érzelemszabályozásának és pszichés jóllétének fejlesztésében
Perczel-Forintos, D., Horváth, A., & Lisincki, A. (2025) · Orvosi Hetilap · doi:10.1556/650.2025.33409 · Cited by 1
Effectiveness of BHATIN (Behavior-Tailored Intervention) for Self-Care Management and Clinical Biomarkers Among Patients with Hypertension: A Quasi Experimental Study
Usman, A. M., Kosasih, C. E., Pramukti, I., Sofiatin, Y., & Pamungkas, R. A. (2026) · Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare · doi:10.2147/jmdh.s598078 · Cited by 1
“10,12 Specifically, improvements in perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy likely strengthened participants’ capacity to manage dietary and emotional triggers in daily life, 10 while mindfulness practices may have increased awareness of habitual responses related to salt consumption and…”
The Lingering Effects of Stereotype Threat: Stereotype Threat Spillover
Zhen, W., & Yong, X. (2019) · Psychology of China · doi:10.35534/pc.0107029 · Cited by 1
A Proposed Model for the Mediating Role of Self-compassion and Emotion Control Difficulties in the Relation between Mindfulness Allert and Academic Resilience of Third-year Intermediate School Students with Learning Difficulties
Fathalla, M. M. (2020) · ALUSTATH JOURNAL FOR HUMAN AND SOCIAL SCIENCES · doi:10.36473/ujhss.v59i2.1072 · Cited by 1
Apakah Benar Penderita Depresi Selalu Sulit Melakukan Regulasi Emosi?
Angganantyo, W., & Abidin, Z. (2021) · Psychopolytan Jurnal Psikologi · doi:10.36341/psi.v4i2.1534 · Cited by 1
Dispositional Mindfulness and Eating Behaviours: Conceptual and Clinical Considerations
Gangodawila, C. (2022) · Vidyodaya Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences · doi:10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v07i01.09 · Cited by 1
“Substance abuse disorders are frequently related to low dispositional mindfulness, as they are accompanied by cravings for the addictive substance and may result in impulsive conduct to obtain the substance of interest (Tang, Tang, & Posner, 2016).”
The effecacy of motivational interview on intentional self-regulation, distress tolerance and psychological flexibility in men with substance abuse disorder undergoing maintenance therapy
Kashefizadeh, M., branch, S., Taher, M., branch, S., Hosseinkhanzadeh, A. A., & Aboutalebi, N. H. (2022) · The Journal Of Psychological Science · doi:10.52547/jps.21.117.1815 · Cited by 6

Authors: Tang, Y.-Y., Tang, R., & Posner, M. I.
Affiliations: Texas Tech University (US)
Washington University in St. Louis (US)
University of Oregon (US)
Corresponding author: Tang, Yi-Yuan
ORCID: Tang, Yi-Yuan
Tang, Rongxiang
Posner, Michael I.
Venue: Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2016-06
Volume: 163
Pages: S13-S18
ISSN: 0376-8716 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.11.041
OpenAlex: W2418056822
Cited by: 306
References: 38
Citations by year: 2026: 17 · 2025: 29 · 2024: 41 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 42 · 2021: 38 · 2020: 34 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 33
FWCI: 3.85
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: hybrid
doi.org
Licence: cc-by-nc-nd
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
www.elsevier.com/legal/tdmrep-license (tdm)
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ (vor)
Locations: Drug and Alcohol Dependence (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Office of Naval Research
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
Keywords: mindfulness meditation, emotion regulation, drug abuse, addiction treatment, self-control, anterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, stress response, salivary cortisol, smoking, craving, impulsivity, executive function, brain network activity, addiction prevention
MeSH terms: Adult, Affect, Emotions, Female, Gyrus Cinguli, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Relaxation Therapy, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Prefrontal Cortex, Meditation, Substance-Related Disorders, Executive Function, Mindfulness

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Mindfulness meditation improves emotion regulation and reduces drug abuse

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