Can Mindfulness Meditation Work For Addiction?

You may have wondered, “Can mindfulness meditation work for addiction, and if so, how?” Studies show that mindfulness meditation practices benefit people who suffer from substance use disorder in their recovery efforts. Accredited rehab facilities have known this all along. They’ve seen proof in the thousands of former substance abusers that have successfully completed mindfulness medication programs. Your story can be among the victories won too. Discover what mindful meditation is and how rehab centers are empowering people to win their battles over addiction.

Mindfulness Meditation Especially Benefits Those Who Are Addicted to Stimulants

If you have tried to conquer an addiction to stimulants in the past and relapsed, using mindfulness meditation for addiction in a rehab program may especially work for you.

Begin by understanding what mindfulness meditation means. There are variations in the definitions. A simple definition of mindfulness meditation in recovery is that it is the use of being aware and present while using stress-reducing techniques such as psychotherapy, yoga, meditation, massage, and other strategies.

Research indicates mindfulness meditation helps:

Methamphetamine and cocaine substance abusers
People diagnosed with bipolar disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and other anxiety disorders
Substance abusers who suffer from traumatic event-related disorders
Those diagnosed with anxiety or depression

Decrease Side Effects from Drug Abuse with Mindfulness Meditation Treatment

Nearly every drug individuals abuse has negative effects on their body. Alcohol is a depressant, aggravating underlying mental health issues. Stimulants like cocaine and meth have drastic effects on major organs like the heart. Even though you may think a stimulant gives you energy, in reality, it causes:

Anxiety
Cardiovascular problems
Depression
Paranoia

While the initial effects of drug use is euphoria or a ‘high’ the more drugs are abuse, then the more brain chemistry alters causing the individual to become dependent. This causes agitation, deep and persistent worry, and prevents the mind from focusing on even the simplest tasks. Mindfulness meditation therapy is one tool among many designed to calm the mind and refocus. By attending one of Right Step Dallas’s addiction treatment programs, you’ll be able to confidently answer the question, “Can mindfulness meditation work for addiction?” A life-changing positive reply is just around the corner.

Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation in Drug Addiction Recovery

Whether you were prescribed stimulants for your condition and became addicted or use illicit drugs, mindfulness is an effective treatment. Know that with mindfulness meditation, you have a higher chance of getting clean and staying clean. For instance, mindfulness meditation can:

Lower urges
Reduce cravings
Reduce or eliminate stimulant drug use
Increase long-term recovery success

Because withdrawal symptoms are strong, relapsing is a real concern. This is especially true if you’ve tried to stop on your own. Thus, practicing mindfulness meditation under the direction of a proven addiction recovery facility enables those struggling with overcoming drug abuse.

Keep in mind, you may be addicted to any form of drug or alcohol, not just stimulants. Mindful meditation will work for those as well. Research has proven it effective for coping with symptoms that present themselves during withdrawal. Therefore, anyone who abuses substances is a good candidate for mindfulness meditation.