Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Anxiety and Impulsivity in ATS Users

Insights from Pakistani Rehabilitation Context

Authors

  • Sana Bangash Department of Clinical Psychology, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi – Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7419-2481
  • Sajid Iqbal Alyana (Ph.D) Department of Clinical Psychology, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi – Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6658-5310

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16457599

Abstract

Abstract Views: 380

Amphetamine Type Stimulant (ATS) users frequently exhibit elevated levels of impulsivity and anxiety, which are significant contributors to relapse and poor treatment outcomes. In Pakistan, the increasing use of amphetamine type stimulants highlights the immediate need for impactful psychological intervention addressing these psychological factors. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) in reducing anxiety and impulsivity among ATS users. A quasi-experimental design was utilised with 30 participants from the rehabilitation centres in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Participants were assigned to two distinct groups: an experimental group (n=15) receiving 2-hour MBRP sessions and a control group (n=15) receiving treatment as usual (TAU). Data were collected using the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory. An independent sample t-test was executed to assess the differences between the two groups. The findings indicated that MBRP significantly reduce impulsivity and anxiety. However, further studies with larger and more diverse populations are necessary to enhance the generalizability of these results.

Keywords:

Amphetamine-type stimulants, Anxiety, Impulsivity, Mindfulness-based relapse prevention, Relapse

Author Biographies

Sana Bangash,

She is a Research Scholar at the Department of Clinical Psychology, National University of Medical Sciences in Rawalpindi – Pakistan. She completed her MPhil. in Clinical Psychology from National University of Medical Sciences in Rawalpindi – Pakistan.

Sajid Iqbal Alyana (Ph.D),

He is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Clinical Psychology, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) in Rawalpindi – Pakistan. He obtained his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi in Karachi – Pakistan.

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Published

2025-07-01

How to Cite

Bangash, S., & Alyana, S. I. (2025). Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Anxiety and Impulsivity in ATS Users: Insights from Pakistani Rehabilitation Context. Bulletin of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2(2), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16457599