Enhancing Veteran Recovery: A Quality Improvement Initiative on Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Substance Use Disorders

Background/Purpose: Substance-use disorders (SUDs) present significant challenges for veterans, often co-occurring with mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and support long-term recovery in individuals with SUDs. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to assess and enhance existing mindfulness interventions for veterans undergoing inpatient rehabilitation, using participant feedback to optimize program engagement and effectiveness. Methods: Over an eight-week period, 10 veterans participated in weekly mindfulness sessions and completed qualitative surveys assessing their experiences, engagement, and perceived benefits. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and guide program adjustments. Ethical considerations included IRB approval, HIPAA compliance, and de-identification of responses to ensure confidentiality. Results: Participants reported significant benefits from the mindfulness sessions, including improved emotional regulation (80%), stress reduction (90%), and increased self-awareness (70%) by the program’s conclusion. Themes identified in the analysis included the positive impact of mindfulness on cravings and emotional regulation, as well as challenges related to session format and physical discomfort. Suggested program improvements included incorporating movement-based mindfulness practices, shorter or more flexible session durations, and additional resources for maintaining mindfulness post-discharge. Conclusion: Findings from this QI project underscores the effectiveness of MBIs in supporting veterans’ recovery from SUDs. Tailoring interventions to veterans' unique challenges, such as PTSD and chronic pain, enhances engagement and overall program effectiveness. Future directions should focus on integrating movement-based practices, institutionalizing facilitator training, and developing post-discharge mindfulness resources to sustain long-term benefits. Keywords: mindfulness-based interventions, veterans, substance-use disorders, inpatient rehabilitation, quality improvement