Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Morita Therapy Protocol for Addiction Treatment: A Holistic Approach to Substance Use Rehabilitation
Downloads
Objective: Addiction remains a significant global health challenge, requiring innovative therapeutic approaches to enhance recovery and reduce relapse rates. Morita Therapy, a Japanese psychological approach, emphasizes mindfulness, emotional acceptance, and purposeful living. Unlike traditional cognitive-behavioral interventions, Morita Therapy encourages individuals to accept their emotions without judgment while engaging in meaningful actions. This study aimed to develop a structured protocol for applying Morita Therapy in addiction treatment and assess its potential benefits.
Methods and Materials: The Morita Therapy protocol was developed through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultation involving addiction specialists, psychologists, and behavioral therapists. The protocol consists of four phases: (1) Isolation and Rest, where patients confront their emotions in a distraction-free environment; (2) Engagement in Simple Tasks, encouraging mindfulness and structure; (3) Social Reintegration, fostering meaningful relationships and responsibilities; and (4) Long-Term Maintenance, ensuring sustained recovery through purposeful living. A preliminary pilot study was conducted with 12 participants undergoing addiction treatment. Data collection included psychometric assessments (Addiction Severity Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) and qualitative interviews.
Findings: Participants demonstrated improved emotional regulation, reduced cravings, and increased adherence to rehabilitation programs. They reported enhanced self-awareness, resilience, and motivation for recovery. Therapists observed greater engagement and social reintegration among participants.
Conclusion: This study presents Morita Therapy as a culturally adaptable, holistic approach to addiction treatment. By fostering emotional acceptance and purposeful living, it offers a promising alternative to conventional interventions. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical trials to validate its long-term efficacy and applicability in diverse populations.
Downloads
Breslin, F. C., Groshkova, T., & Best, D. (2021). Integrative therapies for addiction and mental health comorbidities: A meta-analysis. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 56(5), 535-548.
Chen, X., Wang, J., & Zhao, L. (2021). Culturally sensitive interventions for addiction: Bridging gaps in treatment. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 52(3), 324-336.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (2019). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change. Guilford Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-00755-000
Hedegaard, H., Miniño, A. M., & Warner, M. (2020). Drug overdose deaths in the United States, 1999-2019 (Data Brief, Issue. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db394.htm
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford Press. https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Motivational_Interviewing.html?id=o1-ZpM7QqVQC&redir_esc=y
Nakamura, Y., Tanaka, T., & Yoshida, H. (2018). Emotional acceptance and avoidance behaviors: The efficacy of Morita Therapy in anxiety disorders. Asian Journal of Psychology, 23(2), 134-145.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Reduced drug use is a meaningful treatment outcome for people with stimulant use disorders. https://irp.nih.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/reduced-drug-use-is-a-meaningful-treatment-outcome-for-people-with
Tanaka, M., Ito, S., & Yamamoto, K. (2020). Purposeful activities as a mechanism for recovery: Insights from Morita Therapy. Japanese Journal of Psychology, 91(4), 298-307.
The Times. (2024). Inside the fentanyl trade: The drug killing 200 Americans a day.
United Nations Office on Drugs Crime. (2024). World Drug Report 2024: Harms of the world drug problem continue to mount amid expansions in drug use and markets. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2024/June/unodc-world-drug-report-2024_-harms-of-world-drug-problem-continue-to-mount-amid-expansions-in-drug-use-and-markets.html
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Body, Mind and Culture

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.