Assessing Mindfulness for Long-Term Recovery from Tobacco Addiction
Description
Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) emphasizes "Good Health and Well-being." Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving SDG 3 faces significant challenges, including the persistent culture of tobacco smoking, which weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to COVID-19. Smoking impacts both smokers and those around them, complicating preventive measures like mask-wearing. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation (MM) as an alternative approach to quitting or reducing smoking. A systematic review of literature from January 2007 onward was conducted, encompassing journal papers, book chapters, and research findings. Relevant keywords were used to identify and evaluate studies related to mindfulness meditation and tobacco addiction. The review considered the findings of various studies and the need for high-powered randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review reveals mixed findings. Some studies suggest that mindfulness is an effective treatment for tobacco or nicotine addiction, while others do not support this view. The necessity for high-powered RCTs to validate these findings is highlighted. Although most research indicates potential effectiveness, it lacks robust high-power RCTs. Tobacco smoking contributes to environmental pollution and harms the health of those exposed to secondhand smoke. Integrating mindfulness into educational curricula might reduce tobacco addiction and positively impact the environment, but solid research to support this integration is lacking. Most studies suffer from publication biases and insufficient RCTs. Establishing the true effectiveness of mindfulness interventions requires further research. Currently, mindfulness meditation has not significantly influenced abstinence or minimal, infrequent cigarette intake. Further integration and investigation are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in tobacco addiction recovery.