Meditation can be practiced in a variety of ways. When thinking of meditation, it is not uncommon for many people simply think that the entire practice is just a person sitting down and thinking about nothing. In reality, meditation is the practice of actively listening to one’s own thoughts, and allowing them to pass through one’s mind. Often it is practiced by individuals in a seated, comfortable position, with his or her eyes closed. People are encouraged to have one primary focus (for example, the rhythm of one’s breath, an image in one’s mind’s eye, a color, a sound…etc.). When other thoughts enter a person’s mind during a meditation practice, he or she is supposed to acknowledge the thought or thoughts, and then allow them to pass on, moving them out of one’s mind by actively refocusing on the selected primary focus. Meditation teaches individuals persistence, patience, and through its practice, encourages physical relaxation.

A large component of addiction and substance abuse is the adjustments and shifts that are made both inwardly and outwardly, surrounding an individual. Part of the definition of addiction is the complete disregard for how one’s substance or alcohol abuse negatively effects one’s physical self, social life, work life, family life, and finances. If an individual lacks regard for the fundamental components of functioning in society, he or she is essentially operating under a false reality. Meditation can help to center an individual, as well as aid in navigating and processing one’s experiences. Many tools and techniques are taught in a substance abuse or addiction treatment programs to help an individual begin the recovery process, meditation is frequently integrated into these programs.

One of the great benefits of meditation is that it helps an individual create a bridge to access one’s true internal thoughts, emotions, and feelings surrounding outside stimuli. Meditation helps an individual learn to work with one’s thoughts and in a way, gain better control over his or her thoughts and emotions. Honing this skill at any stage in an individual’s life, whether he or she does or does not struggle with addiction or substance abuse can be incredibly beneficial. The growth that occurs from this type of practice is immense. Through meditation, individuals will gain better personal insights, which will in turn help to foster healthier relationships.

The physical and emotional toll substance abuse and addiction can take on an individual is grand. There are many physical benefits an individual can experience if he or she engages in a regular meditation practice. Meditation, for example, has been known to decrease blood pressure. Additionally, integrating meditation into one’s regular routine can help in increasing one’s immune system. Learning to process one’s thoughts and feelings through consistent meditation can also help with pain relief. Through the process of meditating an individual will learn to efficiently cope with anxiety in addition to reduce possible depression or depressive symptoms. Meditation can, furthermore, help with stress management. One of the best results an individual may experience from meditation is better sleep. Sleeping is a basic need that can get severely interrupted from substance abuse and addition. Learning tools to help realign healthy sleeping habits and patterns can be essential in one’s recovery from substance abuse or addiction. After all, an individual’s body requires rest to function properly.

In substance abuse and addiction recovery, individuals are taught to take one moment at a time. One of the main pillars of meditation is to be present and focused on the here and now. This is why practicing meditation can be a fantastic compliment while in substance abuse and addiction recovery, as the two can meld perfectly with each other.

Further Information

The way an individual’s frame of mind, brain, and physical body adjust to accommodate an addiction will require a lifetime of healing. Every individual seeking substance abuse or addiction treatment must select a program that will be suit his or her needs throughout this life changing experience. Substance abuse and addiction are all consuming, and if left untreated can result in extremely difficult long term consequences, and in some cases death. There is no need to go through this alone. If you or someone you know is in need of addiction treatment for drugs or alcohol, please seek help immediately. We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding substance abuse or addiction. For further information, do not hesitate contacting us at: 323-207-0276. You can also feel free to reach out via email at: [email protected].

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