Is it possible to overcome addiction using mindfulness?
Meditation has become one of the ways to help alcoholics and drug addicts grabble the challenges of drug detox and comforts them staying sober. People often don’t realise that mindfulness meditation can be defined as a form of observation which is non-judgemental. It’s made up of three different elements:
1. Remembering
2. Awareness
3. Attention
Once an individual starts to experiencing cravings for a substance they have most likely developed an addiction. Cravings can be intense and are significantly stronger than just wanting something. Mindfulness meditation encourages individuals for focus their attention on the present moment, eliminating cravings for substances such as drugs and alcohol.
The individual needs to understand that to get the most from meditation; they need to have good levels of concentration and a clear mind. Individuals who have a drug or alcohol addiction will sometimes struggle with being mindful as it involves anesthetising the brain and focusing on the present, hence those dealing with cravings in recovery will find the practise more beneficial.
Meditation takes several practises, many of which are spiritual due to its roots in Buddhism, however; this doesn’t mean the courses require any religious or spiritual beliefs. Mindfulness meditation, both during and post treatment, has proven it can become part of a drug or alcohol addicts daily life, allowing them to sit quietly alone and pay attention to their inner thoughts and feelings, therefore; it has a long-lasting effect without taking action to judge or fix them.
At Cassiobury Court we are a residential rehabilitation centre based in Watford, London. Mindfulness meditation is one of our most powerful treatments as we believe it helps to dissolve the source of an addicts craving, whether that’s alcohol, drugs or another form of addiction. Studies have shown that not only can mindfulness help with addictive behaviour but also several other aspects such as; depression, stress, insomnia, compulsive behaviours and anxiety disorders.
Almost three-quarters of GPs refer their clients for mindfulness meditation treatments on a regular basis; they believe it’s one of the most valuable ways for people to manage their addiction and achieve sobriety. It has such a positive impact and learning the techniques is simple, meaning it can be done by anyone, anywhere at any time.
