نقش سرکوب فکر در رابطه مدیتیشن با ذهن آگاهی و مصرف الکل

Previous studies have demonstrated that attempts to suppress thoughts about using substances may actually lead to increases in substance use. Vipassana, a mindfulness meditation practice, emphasizes acceptance, rather than suppression, of unwanted thoughts. A study by Bowen and colleagues examining the effects of a Vipassana course on substance use in an incarcerated population showed significant reductions in substance use among the Vipassana group as compared to a treatment — usual control condition [Bowen S., Witkiewitz K., Dillworth T.M., Chawla N., Simpson T.L., Ostafin B.D., et al. (2006). Mindfulness Meditation and Substance Use in an Incarcerated Population. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.]. The current study further examines the mediating effects of thought suppression in the relationship between participation in the course and subsequent alcohol use. Those who participated in the course reported significant decreases in avoidance of thoughts when compared to controls. The decrease in avoidance partially mediated effects of the course on post-release alcohol use and consequences.

Several studies suggest that thought suppression often results in an increase, rather than a decrease, in unwanted thoughts (Wegner, 1997 and Wegner et al., 1987). Research in addictive behaviors has found that thought suppression impedes attempts to quit smoking (Haaga and Allison, 1994, Salkovskis and Reynolds, 1994 and Toll et al., 2001), and that heavy social drinkers given instructions to suppress alcohol-related thoughts and urges demonstrated stronger expectancies after alcohol cue exposure when compared to controls (Palfai, Monti, Colby, & Rohsenow, 1997). Contrary to thought suppression, mindfulness-based strategies emphasize acceptance, non-judgment and non-reaction to thoughts, feelings and sensations. Several studies have incorporated meditation and mindfulness techniques in treatment of substance use, with promising results (e.g., Gifford et al., 2004 and Linehan et al., 1999). However, little is know about the mechanisms by which mindfulness leads to changes in substance use. A study of a 10-day intensive Vipassana mindfulness meditation course held in a minimum security jail in Seattle found that course participants, when compared to a treatment as usual control (TAU) group, showed significant decreases in substance use three months following release from jail. The current study is a secondary data analysis examining thought suppression as a mediator of the relationship between meditation and post-release alcohol use.