Research on TM and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a form of self-medication used to reduce the pain and suffering associated with high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The Transcendental Meditation® (TM) technique impacts substance use by reducing its triggers and by making the individual more self-aware, which increases sensitivity to the impact of unhealthy substances ingested into the body. Dozens of studies have shown that practice of TM® reduces use of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes and has a particularly powerful effect on serious users.

TM Reduces Alcohol Use in Vietnam Veterans

TM Reduces Alcohol Use in Vietnam Veterans
This randomized study at the Denver Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program found that practice of TM reduced alcohol use by 84% over three months. More >

Effectiveness in Decreasing Alcohol Use

Meta-analysis of 97 studies

Effectiveness in Reducing Alcohol Use
This study, which analyzed the results of 97 studies, found that TM had a greater effect on reducing alcohol use than other standard programs for treating alcohol abuse. More >

Effectiveness in Decreasing Drug Abuse

Meta-analysis of 70 studies

Effectiveness in Decreasing Drug Abuse
This comparison of 70 studies found that TM had a greater effect on reducing drug abuse than other standard approaches to treating drug abuse. More >

Larger Effects for Decreasing Alcohol Use Among Serious Users

Through the Transcendental Meditation Technique

Larger Effects for Decreasing Alcohol Use Among Serious Users
Among casual users of alcohol in the general popu­lation, TM has a moderate effect on decreasing use (.42). For serious users, the average effect size was three times larger, 1.35, a very large effect.  More >