The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on anger and internalized stigma in individuals with substance use disorder under probation

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on anger and internalized stigma in individuals with substance use disorder on probation. Materials and Method: The study was conducted in a pretest-posttest randomized control group design with 70 patients diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) (35 experiment group, 35 control group) between January 2023 and March 2025. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Trait Anger and Anger Expression Scale (STAS), and Internalized Stigma Scale in Mental Illness (IISMI). Patients with SUD in the experimental group received 8 sessions of MBSR psychoeducation. No intervention was given to the control group. Percentage, mean, standard deviation, t test in dependent and independent groups were used to analyze the data. Results: After the MBSR training, it was determined that the total score of the individuals with SUD in the experimental group (55.89±7.40) decreased compared to the total score of the individuals with SUD in the control group (62.49±7.69), and the level of internalized stigma (61.00±12.27) decreased compared to the level of internalized stigma (81.69±12.94) of the individuals with SUD in the control group. In the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference (P=0.001) in the levels of anger and internalized stigma in the experimental group. Conclusion: MBSR training was found to be effective in reducing anger and internalized stigma in individuals with SUD subjected to probation. It is recommended that mindfulness practices should be integrated into probation education.