Mindfulness In Addiction Recovery
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can be used in addiction recovery. Find out how to practice mindfulness here.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice that can be used in addiction recovery to increase awareness and acceptance of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It can help you focus on the present moment and manage difficult emotions. Mindfulness may also improve your ability to cope with cravings and stay abstinent from drugs or alcohol. Read on to learn more about mindfulness and how it can help you recover from addiction.
Mindfulness is a secular practice with roots in Buddhist meditation. Mindfulness therapy typically involves acceptance, paying attention to your thoughts and feelings, and tuning into the present moment.
Mindfulness Definition
Mindfulness can be defined as “maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.”
Mindfulness Vs. Meditation
You may be wondering, what’s the difference between mindfulness and meditation? In contrast to mindfulness practices, meditation is “the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed.”
Mindfulness Applications
Mindfulness exercises are best applied in one’s everyday life. When practicing mindfulness activities, it can be helpful to set a regular time or try something new to experience life in a different way. For example, some people dedicate their lunch break to practicing mindful meditation. Mindfulness meditation is helpful during exercise, therapy, healing, counseling, and everyday life.
How To Practice Mindfulness?
If you’re interested in practicing mindfulness, starting small is essential. For example, you may consider dedicating five minutes to your mindfulness practice each morning or before bed. While practicing mindfulness healing, remember to notice when your mind wanders and bring your attention back to your mindfulness meditation practice. As with any skill, it takes time to learn how to be mindful. Do your best not to become frustrated or angry throughout the learning process.
Basic Mindfulness Exercises
It can be easy to get caught up in the complexities when choosing mindfulness exercises. Try starting small with some of the following mindfulness exercise ideas. First, you could try taking three long breaths and setting your intentions for the day upon waking up. You can also practice basic mindfulness activities during meal times. Throughout your meal, practice breathing before you begin eating, listening to your body’s hunger cues, and eating without interruption. Basic mindfulness exercises can be used while exercising, driving, or working.
Mindfulness In Addiction Recovery
Mindfulness-based addiction treatment (MBAT) is helpful in the treatment of nicotine dependence and other substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorders. The following sections will explore mindfulness in recovery.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness based stress reduction or MBSR is a prominent treatment for addiction and recovery. MBSR is often used for disorders involving stress, pain, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, MBSR can be used to treat eating, mental health, and substance use disorders.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based treatment modality used in addiction treatment programs. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can be used to prevent relapse and treat depression.
Mindfulness-Based Pain Management
Mindfulness-based pain management is used to address pain’s cognitive, sensory, and affective factors. Studies have found that mindful meditation can be applied to pain reduction. Mindfulness based therapy for pain is an excellent alternative to pharmacological approaches involving opiates.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an approach used in psychotherapy to teach individuals how to accept their inner feelings and emotions. Mindfulness meditation is a critical component of the ACT model.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) stems from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Both DBT and CBT incorporate practices of mindful meditation. DBT involves accepting oneself and recognizing the need for change and personal growth.
Other Programs
Mindfulness in recovery plays a vital role in addiction, relapse prevention, mental health treatment, and healing. Recent studies have shown that mindfulness based therapy is a practical treatment approach for substance use disorders.
Benefits of Mindfulness In Addiction Recovery
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) offer many benefits when it comes to treating addiction. Mindfulness in recovery can reduce emotional distress, cultivate lasting behavioral change, and increase the likelihood of positive clinical outcomes. For many individuals, having mindfulness in their recovery toolbox makes a world of difference.
Why Is Mindfulness Important In Recovery?
Mindful meditation can help individuals self-monitor symptoms, address cravings, and learn how to positively adapt to the urge to use drugs or alcohol. A mindfulness practice is especially important during triggering situations or when dealing with cravings to use.
What Are The Effects of Mindfulness?
Mindfulness in recovery leads to reduced rumination, stress reduction, boosts to working memory, improved focus, less emotional reactivity, more cognitive flexibility, and better relationship satisfaction. There are many positive effects associated with mindfulness.
Mindfulness and Other Addiction Therapies At Alta Centers
If you’re interested in mindfulness healing for addiction, Alta Centers is the premier substance abuse treatment program in Los Angeles, California. Alta Centers provides patient-centered, individualized recovery programs to help clients achieve lasting recovery. At Alta Centers, there is a strong focus on leading an active lifestyle. The Alta Centers team believes that recovery is the start of something new and exciting.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
The knowledgeable team at Alta Centers recognizes the immense benefits of mindfulness-based interventions. To help clients overcome addiction, clinicians utilize mindfulness therapy, including mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Alta Centers also uses CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care approaches.
Other Addiction Rehab Programs
In addition to mindfulness counseling, Alta Centers offers top-notch inpatient rehabilitation, detoxification, and individual therapy. Whether you or someone you care about needs withdrawal management, inpatient care, outpatient therapy, or long-term individual counseling, Alta Centers is the leading addiction treatment provider.
Get in Touch With Us
To learn more about mindfulness for depression, addiction, and other behavioral health disorders, contact Alta Centers today
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https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/education/
how-to-practice-mindfulness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5907295/
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner
