The restructuring-reward hypothesis postulates that mindfulness decreases the saliency of addictive behavior by encouraging the mind to value things that were rewarding pre-addiction (as opposed to drugs). 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Mindfulness-based interventions for addiction are  thought to work upon the dysregulation of cognitive processes caused by substance abuse. The usage of mindfulness techniques such as body scan, mindful breathing, and informal mindfulness can work upon certain biological and behavioral mechanisms involved in addiction.  

Therapeutic Mechanisms of Mindfulness as a Treatment for Addiction

Garland, E.L., Howard, M.O. Mindfulness-based treatment of addiction: current state of the field and envisioning the next wave of research. Addict Sci Clin Pract 13, 14 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-018-0115-3

Mindfulness-based treatment of addiction: current state of the field and envisioning the next wave of research

Restructuring Reward Hypothesis

There is a strong association between stress and addiction. Therefore mindfulness-based interventions often focus on targeting stress reactivity in order to improve symptoms related to addictive behaviors. 

Stress Reactivity

There are many different techniques one can use during formal meditation, including:

- Body scan
- Yoga
- Breath awareness
- Open Monitoring

Formal Meditation Skills

A distinct line of inquiry with the goal of understanding which systems of the brain are activated during mindfulness practice to determine the effects that both short and long-term practice has on brain function and structure.

Neurobiology of Mindfulness

Trait mindfulness is centered around the idea of living in the present moment. It emphasizes living a nonjudgemental life, and it can also refer to the level of mindfulness experienced by a person during everyday activities. 

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