Improving personality/character traits in individuals with alcohol dependence: The influence of mindfulness-oriented meditation

The study of personality is critical to enhance our knowledge of the psychological characteristics of alcohol dependence (AD). Recent evidence shows that mindfulness-oriented meditation (MOM) positively influences healthy individuals' character. Here we assessed whether 8-week MOM promotes similar changes in a group of alcohol-dependent individuals. A control group with AD was also tested. MOM participants showed an increase in the character scores of the Temperament and Character Inventory together with reduced risks of relapse. These longitudinal data highlight the importance of assessing personality in alcohol-dependent individuals and support the utility of therapeutic interventions for AD aimed at enhancing individuals' character.