Meditation and De-Addiction: A Neurobiological Perspective

KM Megha; Arjun Ram Roj; Vijay Shanker Yadav; Chaitanya Kaushal; Pallabi Pal; Monalisa Das; Sanjib Patra

doi:10.61797/ijetit.v6i2.622

KM Megha Research Scholar, Department of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan-305817, India
Arjun Ram Roj Research Scholar, Department of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan-305817, India
Vijay Shanker Yadav Research Scholar, Department of Sangyaharan, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
Chaitanya Kaushal Lecturer, Department of Sport Psychology, Lakshamibai National Institute of Physical Education, NERC, Guwahati, India
Pallabi Pal Student, Department of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan-305817, India
Monalisa Das Student, Department of Microbiology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu-620024, India
Sanjib Patra Professor and Head of Department, Department of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan-305817, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61797/ijetit.v6i2.622

Keywords: Addiction, Meditation, Neurobiology, Reward system, Prefrontal cortex, Neuroplasticity, Stress regulation, Mindfulness

Abstract

Background: Addiction is a multifaceted disorder involving compulsive substance use, impaired self-regulation, and continued use despite adverse consequences. Neurobiological alterations in key brain regions, including the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), amygdala, hippocampus, and mesolimbic reward system, underlie addiction pathophysiology. These changes disrupt reward processing, cognitive control, and stress regulation, contributing to heightened cravings and relapse vulnerability. Emerging evidence suggests meditation may modulate these neurobiological pathways.

Objective: This review explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and evaluates potential therapeutic effects of meditation on these pathways.

Methods: A narrative review of current literature was conducted, synthesizing evidence from neurobiological studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews examining meditation interventions in addiction populations.

Results: Current evidence suggests addiction involves dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward system, with altered dopamine signalling, impaired PFC function, and amygdala hyperactivity. Preliminary research indicates meditation may influence these systems through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of prefrontal-limbic connectivity, stress response normalization via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, and enhanced neuroplasticity. However, findings remain mixed, with significant methodological limitations across studies.

Conclusion: While preliminary evidence suggests meditation may engage neurobiological pathways implicated in addiction, current research limitations preclude definitive conclusions. Further rigorous, controlled studies with standardized meditation protocols, larger sample sizes, and longer follow-up periods are essential to establish clinical efficacy and elucidate specific mechanisms of action.