Be more mindful: Targeting addictive responses by integrating mindfulness with cognitive bias modification or cue exposure interventions

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, vol. 153, pp. 105408

Abstract

This review provides an overview of the most prominent neurocognitive effects of cognitive bias modification (CBM), cue-exposure therapy and mindfulness interventions for targeting addictive responses. It highlights the key insights that have stemmed from cognitive neuroscience and brain imaging research and combines these with insights from behavioural science in building a conceptual model integrating mindfulness with response-focused CBM or cue-exposure interventions. This furthers our understanding of whether and how mindfulness strategies may i) facilitate or add to the induced response-focused effects decreasing cue-induced craving, and ii) further weaken the link between craving and addictive responses. Specifically, awareness/monitoring may facilitate, and decentering may add to, response-focused effects. Combined awareness acceptance strategies may also diminish the craving-addiction link. The conceptual model presented in this review provides a specific theoretical framework to deepen our understanding of how mindfulness strategies and CBM or cue-exposure interventions can be combined to greatest effect. This is important in both suggesting a roadmap for future research, and for the further development of clinical interventions.

Authors 5

1. Junilla K. Larsen corresponding

   Radboud University Nijmegen

   Affiliation as printed

   Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: junilla.larsen@ru.nl

   Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands

2. Gareth J. Hollands

   University College London

   Affiliation as printed

   EPPI Centre, UCL Social Research Institute, University College London, UK

3. Eric L. Garland

   University of Utah

   Affiliation as printed

   Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development, College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA

4. Andrea W.M. Evers Aachen Health Medical and Neuropsychology Unit

   Leiden University · Delft University of Technology · Medical Delta

   Affiliation as printed

   Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University, NL, and Medical Delta, Leiden University, TU Delft and Erasmus University, UK

5. Reinout W. H. J. Wiers

   University of Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Addiction Development and Psychopathology (ADAPT)-lab, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam and Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands