ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to explore the contribution of Buddhist psychology, specifically mindfulness meditation practice, to psychological interventions aimed at the prevention and treatment of addictive behaviors (Marlatt 2002). We approach this topic as clinicians and researchers trained in the “scientist practitioner” model, a tradition in which psychological research is guided by its relevance to clinical practice, and clinical practice is informed by research on the efficacy and effectiveness of psychological treatments. However, in the context of this chapter, our ongoing personal practice of meditation and study of Buddhism has an additional influence on our perspective. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in applying mindfulness-based interventions to chronic pain, has discussed the importance of personal meditation practice for clinicians delivering mindfulness-based interventions:
In our experience, unless the instructor’s relationship to mindfulness is grounded in extensive personal practice, the teaching and guidance one might bring to the clinical context will have little in the way of appropriate energy, authenticity, or ultimate relevance, and that deficit will soon be felt by program participants.
