By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “it’s tempting to conclude that mindfulness is the “best new thing” for addiction treatment, but that in reality, further study is needed. It absolutely has promise, we have a lot more to learn, this is the beginning.” – Sarah Bowen Substance abuse is a major health […]
Mindfulness is Associated with Less Relapse and Recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb Clinically diagnosed depression is the most common mental illness, affecting over 6% of the population. Major depression can be quite debilitating. Depression can be difficult […]
Mindfulness is a Cost-Effective Treatment to Prevent Depression Relapse By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “MBCT significantly reduces the rates of depressive relapse or recurrence compared with usual care or placebo, corresponding to a relative risk reduction of 34%.” – Willem Kuyken Clinically diagnosed depression is the most common mental illness, affecting over 6% of […]
Adherence to a Mindfulness Intervention Assists in Preventing Alcoholism Relapse By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Thoughts and feelings, including urges to use substances or activities, are always temporary. Through mindfulness and its related practices (including meditation) it is possible to learn how to face uncomfortable, painful thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and let […]
Prevent Depression Relapse with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is designed to help people who suffer repeated bouts of depression and chronic unhappiness. It combines the ideas of cognitive therapy with meditative practices and attitudes based on the cultivation of mindfulness. The heart of this work lies […]
Improve Substance Use Disorders and Prevent Relapse with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “As we understand more about the human condition and the things that drive some people to dangerous behavior, we can apply new methods of treatment to help heal the body and mind. One of these methods is what […]
Reduce Addictions Relapse in Minority Women with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “By being mindful the individual will be able to see that these cravings appear in the mind and then disappear. They are like clouds passing through the sky. Sometimes just acknowledging the craving will be enough to make it […]
Prevent Depression Relapse and Lessen Residual Symptoms with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “Through mindfulness, individuals start to see their thoughts as less powerful. These distorted thoughts – such as “I always make mistakes” or “I’m a horrible person” – start to hold less weight. We ‘experience’ thoughts and other sensations, […]
By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “People at risk for depression are dealing with a lot of negative thoughts, feelings and beliefs about themselves and this can easily slide into a depressive relapse. MBCT helps them to recognize that’s happening, engage with it in a different way and respond to it with equanimity […]
Improve the Psychological Well-Being of Opioid Users Undergoing Medicinal Therapy with Mindfulness By John M. de Castro, Ph.D. “As individuals with [Substance Use Disorders] engage in mindfulness practices within [Mindfulness-Based Interventions], they learn to cultivate trait mindfulness, providing a bulwark against substance use and relapse.” – Sarah E Priddy Substance abuse is […]