Emotional difficulties among individuals with alcohol use disorder: the mediating role of psychological mechanisms linked to mindfulness

Background: Difficulties with emotion regulation (DER) and emotional distress (ED) are considered relevant clinical features of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and other Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Psychological mechanisms linked to mindfulness are involved in addressing DER and ED. This study aims at investigating the mediating role of mindfulness on relationship between DER and ED among individuals with AUD and concurrent SUDs. Methods: Eighty-seven individuals with a primary diagnosis of AUD, who completed a mindfulness-based treatment for this condition, were included. DER, ED, and mindfulness dimensions were self-report assessed. Results: The analyses showed significant and positive indirect effects of mindfulness dimensions (i.e., self-regulation of attention, non-reactive awareness). The direct effect of DER on ED was significant. Conclusion: The self-regulation of attention and non-reactive awareness linked to mindfulness are relevant and stable protective factors for emotional difficulties among individuals with AUD. Longitudinal studies are needed to empirically test the therapeutic role of these mindfulness dimensions in the treatment of SUDs and in relapse prevention.