Does Meditation Help with Addiction Recovery?

06/28/2023

Does Meditation Help with Addiction Recovery?

The world of addiction recovery and treatment approaches for people overcoming drug and alcohol addiction has expanded over the past few decades. People continue finding new disciplines to incorporate into their recovery programs and broaden their experiences in recovery. Developing a meditation practice is a great way to take your recovery to the next level. The path to recovery is one of ongoing self-improvement. Some people start up exercise routines, others focus on dialing in their nutrition, and others enjoy journaling or learning about spiritual growth. Meditation is another tool to add to your recovery tool belt. How does meditation for addiction recovery help?

What is Meditation?

Meditation is an ancient practice used by people throughout history for thousands of years. Many think of meditation as a practice that’s done sitting cross-legged on a pillow or the floor with your hands resting on your knees.

While this is one approach to meditation, the practice is far more broad than you probably realize. You may have even practiced meditation in the past without realizing it. The heart of a meditation practice involves detaching from your thoughts and grounding yourself in the moment. Some people do so while sitting down, but you can practice anywhere – whether you’re driving to work, sitting at your desk, walking through the grocery store, or sitting at your child’s sports games. So long as you’re observing your thoughts and noticing the feelings and events around you, you’re practicing meditation.

Does Meditation Help with Recovery?

Meditation for addiction recovery is a helpful practice. Racing thoughts and a disconnect from the present are common experiences for those overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. Learning to sit with your thoughts and sink fully into the present is a great way to combat those difficulties as you progress in recovery. Many report that their meditation practice leaves them feeling calmer, more centered, and more fulfilled. It’s easy to get wrapped up in your busy life, but meditation brings you back to your breath, body, and the moment in front of you. It takes time to reach this point, but taking steps to incorporate a meditation practice into your recovery is worth every minute.

Meditation Alone Isn’t Enough

Meditation is an incredible tool for anyone, whether they’re in recovery or not. While its benefits are undeniable, trying to use meditation alone to overcome drug and alcohol addiction likely isn’t enough. You might make some forward progress, but eliminating substances and overcoming addictive behaviors typically takes a more well-rounded, comprehensive approach. Finding a specialized addiction recovery program will help you develop a recovery treatment plan that works for you. This often starts with a foundation of psychotherapy and occasionally medication and then expands to include practices like meditation for addiction recovery, yoga, and exercise or nutrition.

Developing this plan under the guidance and with the support of a program like Silver Pines is the best way to achieve recovery. Silver Pines offers a range of drug and alcohol treatment program, including residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. Our individualized approach to care ensures that we create a treatment plan that works for you and supports your needs as you work toward recovery. To learn more about the programs we offer, call us at 267.209.7313 or submit an online contact form today!

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