It’s already hard to focus in on the present moment with all of the stressors that bog us down, but those who battle with addiction face an added layer of distraction. Substances like alcohol and other drugs bring us out of our natural element and into a state of mind that goes against our natural thoughts, feelings and actions. When we’re intoxicated, we’re likely to act out in ways that go against our “norm” – and, if substance abuse persists, it’s possible that we may veer away from our natural state of being as we become lost in this convoluted path of an altered state of being.
Recovery is about bringing this sense of chaos back down to the ground by focusing on the “here and now”. The moment-by-moment experiences that we have bring us peace and balance, and substance abuse destroys that; according to Very Well Mind, a website that publishes relevant information related to self-improvement, psychology and mental disorders, mindfulness is: “…A mental training practice that involves focusing your mind on your experiences (like your own emotions, thoughts, and sensations) in the present moment.”
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that meditation has helped those in addiction recovery increase their levels of positive responses and reduced urges to use – and just as addiction can negatively affect a person’s reward center processing, mindfulness can counteract it to produce some truly transformational results. Greater Good Magazine, a publication by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, notes that mindfulness can serve as a tool for a number of healing aspects, such as:
- Relating to our experiences with more compassion
- Gaining more freedom in how we choose to respond to discomfort
- Dealing with cravings
- And more
If you’re ready to take hold of your recovery journey, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
If you’re ready to begin taking great strides towards your health and wellbeing, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Mental illness should be taken seriously and, if not treated early on, more severe conditions can arise. The best way to promote happiness and health is to seek help – and to begin using effective interventions for treating the problematic symptoms a person is experiencing. Don’t wait any longer to seek the help you need. Please call Alta Loma today – and you’ll be surrounded by a healthcare team who truly cares about your recovery. 866-457-3843.
