What is the role of guided relaxation and mindfulness in SUD treatment?

• A. Allowed only for clients with anxiety disorders.
• B. Per guidelines, not recommended in SUD.
• C. As an adjunct to CBT/MI to reduce stress, cravings, and emotional regulation.
• D. As a replacement for CBT/MI.

Answer: (C)

Guided relaxation and mindfulness are used as an adjunct to established therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing in substance use disorder treatment. They help reduce stress, lower cravings, and improve emotional regulation, which supports clients in coping with urges rather than reacting automatically. By cultivating present-mocused, nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, individuals learn to pause before acting on a craving, increasing their opportunity to choose a healthier response. Relaxation techniques lower physiological arousal, while mindfulness enhances cognitive control over impulses, together strengthening relapse prevention. These practices are integrated with CBT/MI to augment treatment effectiveness and are not a replacement for those therapies, nor are they reserved only for people with anxiety disorders.