Using Mindfulness Meditation to Promote Addiction Recovery

Although it’s true that genetic factors can make a person more susceptible to addiction, people often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or past trauma. For people suffering from addictive or co-occurring disorders, mental health treatment is a key component of successful rehab. Without addressing the issues that led to a desire to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, men and women are more likely to relapse.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness meditation is becoming popular in holistic rehabs because it gives people a way to take control of their recovery. It’s an easy-to-learn coping mechanism that helps substance abusers deal with the unpleasant emotions often linked to cravings or the tendency to relapse.
Mindfulness is simply focusing your attention on the present moment rather than letting your mind wander. When you practice mindfulness meditation, you focus on your breath and the sensations in your body. As you think about what’s happening in that exact moment, mindfulness urges you to set aside contemplating your massive to-do list or worrying about an argument you’ve recently had with a friend.
The term mindfulness is a translation of the Pali word sati, which plays a strong role in some Buddhist traditions. However, mindfulness meditation used as part of the recovery process does not require any specific religious belief. You can experience the benefits regardless of your faith or belief in a higher power.
How Does Mindfulness Work?
Psychology Today reports that mindfulness meditation, combined with a regular yoga practice or moderate exercise, can be helpful as a mood-regulating tool for people struggling with substance abuse. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation helps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream. It also boosts the immune system by increasing your interleukin levels, and improves your ability to cleanse the body of chemical toxins that can affect neurotransmitter receptors.
A Holistic Rehab Experience
If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Coast to Coast can help. We offer a holistic rehab experience that uses meditation, acupuncture, and art therapy to help you work through the emotional issues that may be contributing to your substance abuse problem. To learn more, call (800) 210-8229 or complete our confidential online form. Our team is available 24/7 when you need us the most.