The study of personality is critical to enhance current knowledge of the psychological
characteristics of alcohol dependence. Recent evidence shows that mindfulness-oriented
meditation positively influences healthy individuals’ character. Here, it was assessed whether
8-week mindfulness-oriented meditation promotes similar changes in a group of alcoholdependent
individuals. A control group with alcohol dependence was also tested.
Mindfulness-oriented meditation 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 alcohol dependence aimed
at enhancing individuals’ character.
