The Effect of Self-Compassion-Focused Interventions for People with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Comorbidity between substance use disorders (SUD) and mental disorders is highly prevalent. Self-compassion has been identified as a protective factor against negative emotions and shows potential in enhancing mental health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-compassion-focused interventions in improving mental health outcomes in this population. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using eight electronic databases. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Data on study characteristics, baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up outcomes were extracted. The study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black Quality Index Score. Results: The included studies exhibited overall poor quality. Meta-analyses suggested medium treatment effects of self-compassion-focused interventions on self-compassion (Hedge’s g = 0.738), mindfulness (Hedge’s g = 0.568), and depression (Hedge’s g = 0.614) following the intervention. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences based on participants’ gender, intervention types, sessions, and treatment length. However, self-compassion-focused interventions did not lead to significant improvement in psychological flexibility, stress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and craving for drugs. Conclusion: This review underscored the effectiveness of self-compassion-focused interventions in improving self-compassion, mindfulness, and depression among people with SUD. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are needed to strengthen the evidence base.