There are a variety of different therapies, both holistic and evidence-based, that are known to help people struggling with addiction. For many, it’s helpful to utilize and understand a number of different therapies in congruence with each other to get the best results. One of the types of therapies that many may not think about when it comes to addiction treatment is meditation. This ancient practice is a way to deal with unwanted thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions. So, it is crucially important and helpful for people struggling with substance abuse issues who want to get help and maintain a life of sobriety and recovery. So, what are the benefits of medication in an addiction treatment setting?
What is Meditation?
Before understanding how meditation can help in an addiction treatment setting, it’s helpful to understand what meditation is. Meditation is a method that has been used for thousands of years that allows individuals to evoke mindfulness, which is living in the present moment. It can also help to pair both the mind and body together which aids an individual in identifying and managing a number of negative issues including high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Since people living with addiction often have comprehensive issues like mood disorders, stress, and anxiety, meditation can be a very positive supplemental practice that can help long-term to reduce the risk of relapse during recovery.
During meditation sessions, individuals are guided through the use of breathing exercises, calming music, silence, or mental imagery in order to get to a place of peace. Then, they focus on the things that they are feeling and dealing with in the present in order to address and overcome these issues. The result is feeling less overwhelmed by emotions, understanding that things that aren’t controllable will never be controlled, and acceptance of the past.
Some of the Benefits of Meditation for People Dealing With Addiction
There are many types and options for meditation. So, different approaches to meditation may bring about different benefits. There are a number of benefits that a person struggling with substance abuse can expect to utilize during recovery from addiction including:
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Better mood management
- Reduction in depressive symptoms
- Increase in production
- Improved focus and creativity
- Better sleep
- Lowered risk for relapse
- Improvement in flexibility
- Better management of cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Meditation Can Help With Mood Management Which is Vital During Addiction Treatment
The brain exercise that is meditation is great for people dealing with addiction issues for a number of reasons. But, it’s specifically helpful in the realm of mood management. Often, people who are getting help through addiction treatment services find that meditation helps them to be in a better mood. This is because meditation stimulates the body to produce and release endorphins, which are responsible for helping the brain to regulate mood. These natural “feel good” chemicals can help people who are getting help for addiction stay more focused on their recovery goals as they are more likely to be focused and in the right state of mind to tackle their personal responsibilities (which includes getting help and staying sober).
Delray Center for Recovery is an addiction treatment resource located in South Florida that believes meditation is a key component of addiction treatment success. Find out more about our outpatient addiction treatment services from our website.