Reflections on mindfulness and self-compassion for the treatment of addictions

Mindfulness and self-compassion are two closely related concepts. Therapies based on one of these two strategies often integrate the second one. These forms of therapies, which are part of the third wave of cognitive and behavioural therapies, are increasingly being used in the treatment of addictions. Our objective is to provide a definition of these concepts and to report on their interest and application in the treatment of addictions. We will describe the sessions and the techniques used in the Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) programme, as well as the different dimensions of self-compassion-based therapies and their interest for both the patient and the carer.