The Development of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE)

Dr. Eric Garland, a renowned mindfulness expert, developed the innovative therapy called Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) for addiction treatment. MORE integrates mindfulness training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and positive psychology to address the deficits that perpetuate addiction. It aims to counteract habitual, automatic drug-seeking behavior through mindfulness practices that promote conscious self-regulation and awareness. MORE also includes reappraisal techniques to reframing negative thoughts and promote positive emotions, as well as savoring practices to focus on and amplify natural, healthy pleasures. By increasing sensitivity to natural, healthy pleasures, MORE reduces the pull of drugs and decreases addictive behavior. Multiple studies, including a large-scale trial, have shown the efficacy of MORE in reducing addictive behaviors, cravings, psychiatric symptoms, and chronic pain.