By Eric LindbergOriginal Source: news.usc.edu

Initial studies with young adults show dramatic drops in stress, cravings, impulsivity and risk of relapse after practicing mindfulness.

Mindfulness might offer more than relief from daily stress. Research now suggests it can boost recovery from addiction and trauma.Investigators at USC believe the contemplative practice could represent the next major breakthrough in the treatment of substance use and major mental health issues.“It’s a very different way of doing therapy and being in therapy,” said Jordan Davis, an assistant professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. “But it’s like the Wild West right now. We just don’t know that much yet.”That is slowly changing, thanks in part to the work of Davis and other experts at USC. Results from their recent studies are encouraging. In one project at an inpatient drug treatment program for young adults, Davis found that completing just eight weeks of mindfulness training led to drops in stress and...click here to continue reading