Effectiveness of Mindfulness for Anger Expression on Men in Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Mindfulness is effective in managing cravings and preventing relapse in substance use disorders (SUD), but its effectiveness in managing anger is unclear. We aim to assess the effects of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) on anger in men treated in therapeutics communities for SUD in Brazil. The sample size was designed to a minimum of 160 participants; 223 were randomized to MBRP or treatment as usual. After eight sessions of MBRP, the level of mindfulness and anger expression measures were assessed. Generalized estimated equations showed that MBRP group had a decreased effect on the anger expression index, reducing the anger expression-in and anger expression-out and increasing anger control-in and anger control-out compared to control. Mediation analysis showed that the level of mindfulness mediated group effects on anger expression index. MBRP protocol has shown benefits for anger management among inpatients with SUD.