For many years, scientists believed that the brain’s plasticity, that is, its ability to create new structures and learn, was limited after childhood. However, new research shows that we can alter the structure of the brain and reap the benefits well into adulthood. Sara Lazar, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, discovered that the more one practices mindfulness meditation, the thicker the brain becomes in the mid-prefrontal cortex and in the mid-insular region of the brain. Changing your mind (or thought processes) actually causes changes in the brain (Lazar et al. 2005). Intention and attention of focus were the keys to reaching these states, not the number of hours spent on a meditation cushion (Lazar and Siegel 2007). From my own experience and work, I know that regular mindfulness practice allows us to set aside distractions and enter the transformative state of open mind.

Mindfulness Meditation & Addiction

Given that SUDs are chronically-relapsing conditions,50,58 any intervention for substance use should acknowledge the risk of relapse and take steps for prevention. In addition to relapse prevention, individuals with SUDs must also prepare for coping with a relapse. The evidence of mindfulness in the prevention of relapse is limited by high attrition rates in RCTs. However, they did find statistically significant differences in favor of MBRP on withdrawal/craving symptoms and negative consequences of substance use. The authors call for higher quality RCTs to evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs for relapse prevention. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, meditation can provide a comprehensive solution.

• According to Healthline, it’s essential to integrate supportive practices like yoga therapy to enhance motivation and adherence.
• It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
• If you need to improve your focus and learn to identify body sensations, focused meditation might be suitable.
• Release any thoughts and feelings that arise throughout the process without allowing yourself to become absorbed, and then redirect your attention back to your focal point of choice.

Overdose Deaths Increased During COVID-19 Pandemic

• If you or a loved one are in need of help with addiction, contact us today.
• However, new research shows that we can alter the structure of the brain and reap the benefits well into adulthood.
• The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes.
• This increased awareness can help them identify triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms, ultimately breaking the cycle of addiction.

They can guide you on how to include meditation and mindfulness into your own unique plan for getting better from addiction. Moving meditation involves practicing mindfulness while engaging in focused movement. You can practice in your alcoholism treatment own home or in a peaceful place outdoors, such as near a lake, or in a garden, park, or forest. Pay attention to all of the information your senses are receiving from the environment such as the sounds of birds, the crashing of waves, or the smell of flowers. This type of meditation is usually practiced in a peaceful, quiet setting while sitting in a comfortable position. The practice of mindfulness involves focusing your attention on the present moment.

Find A Center Near You

Doing mindfulness every day can positively affect your health and last a long time. Mindfulness and meditation for staying sober are safe, different ways to help with getting over addiction. They don’t cause bad reactions and can be easily made a part of your daily habits. Being mindful can be challenging, especially when you want something you shouldn’t. But, if you keep at it, with time, practice, and patience, you can fight off those cravings and stay on your recovery journey without slipping back or getting hurt. Also, meditating regularly and having good mindfulness methods ready to use can help your recovery over time.

Yet, to be optimally efficacious, future intervention development research might consider evolving MBIs beyond a time-limited intervention approach. Despite growing pressure for expediency and increasingly brief intervention, SUDs are chronic conditions that may require prolonged interventions to produce durable change. In that regard, mindfulness might be conceptualized as an integral component of a wellness-oriented lifestyle – a catalyst for long-term recovery. Using physical health as an analogy, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise across the lifespan is integral to wellbeing. Similarly, mindfulness might need to be practiced on a near daily basis for many years to effectively intervene in addiction and prevent relapse. Research is needed to test the addiction meditation kundalini comparative effectiveness of brief versus extended MBIs and the relative cost-effectiveness of these models.

For instance, if you’re walking, focus on your feet hitting the ground, your arms swinging back and forth, and your breathing patterns; similarly, if you’re riding a bike, pay attention to your feet pushing the pedals. People facing addiction spend most of their lives running on autopilot, drifting through life not in control or even aware of how they reached such a low point, further catapulting them into a downward spiral of unhappiness. Furthermore, meditation releases an influx of endorphins, brain chemicals that act as natural painkillers, inducing a euphoric high that can effectively relieve pain.

• Meditation helps to change this negative pattern by training you to become mindful of every thought, action, and experience.
• It is an eight-week program that integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness meditation, significantly reducing the potential for relapse.
• You may consider whether you want to do this meditation daily on your own or sometimes attend local meditation classes or use a guided meditation.
• By regularly practicing TM, individuals can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance their overall well-being.
• In cases of withdrawal-related symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or depression, meditation can help ground you in the present moment, calm your nervous system, boost your mood, and improve your ability to sleep and manage pain.

Commit to a Regular Practice

Analyzed studies found over 55% fewer return to addiction with meditation. Quietly focusing on present thoughts, feelings, and senses builds self-awareness around triggers. The good part is the brain stays plastic – it can make new connections with the right help.

Overcoming Procrastination: 7 Effective Techniques for a More Productive You

Research confirms mindfulness techniques work across alcohol and drug addiction treatments, with similar success rates for voluntary and mandated individuals if practiced consistently. Given the challenges of addiction, we must explore every available option beyond conventional methods. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ New research shows it can retrain addicted brains, handle cravings, and enable genuine recovery. Beyond its impact on brain function, meditation offers an array of benefits that can significantly support individuals in their addiction recovery journey.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, there is help available. If you think meditation for addiction treatment would be a good option for your recovery, you can look for a facility that accepts your insurance. At American Addiction Centers, we can help you find a facility that works with your insurance and offers meditation treatment.