Addiction is not just a high when you use a drug. It’s more than the cravings you feel or the sickness you experience when you try to stop. It’s all of those things and so much more: ruined relationships, altered life path, distorted thoughts and hopelessness among many others. In order to gain a lasting and authentic recovery, addiction must receive treatment on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Meditation therapy is designed to help you get in touch with this spiritual part of yourself to become whole and well again.
The Mental State of an Addicted Person
Someone who is addicted to a substance spends most of their time using it, craving it, planning how to get more and obtaining it, with the cycle repeating itself over and over again. This process leaves very little time for living in or appreciating the present. When you consider that people usually start abusing substances in an attempt to escape their current situations, it is no wonder that the routines of addiction can be comforting in a distorted way. One of the keys to recovery is to leave this downward spiral behind, and meditation therapy can be a very useful tool in achieving this goal.
The Principles of Mindfulness Therapy
Meditation therapy, often called mindfulness therapy when used for people with substance use disorders, is defined as nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. Try the following exercise to get an idea of what practicing mindfulness therapy is like:
- Sit comfortably with your spine straight
- Close your eyes
- Do your best to experience this moment without judging, accepting whatever comes into your mind
- Notice your breath as you draw it in and let it out without trying to make anything happen. You are just observing
- When your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back, focusing on your breath without judging your thoughts
- Start with five minutes and build to 20 minutes per day if you can. Remember though that even five minutes is better than nothing
As you grow in your meditation therapy, you will develop a deepening sense of self-compassion that enables you to deal with uncomfortable feelings without beating yourself up. Over time, mindfulness therapy can actually lower stress levels, minimize the impact of negative self-talk and bring about positive change.
The Whole Person Approach to Addressing Addiction
To effectively treat addiction, you must address it on all levels. Spring Gardens Recovery is a residential detox service and addiction treatment facility. We commit to a multi-faceted, holistic approach that includes alternative interventions such as meditation therapy, also known as mindfulness therapy. Because each person is different and comes to us with their own set of gifts and challenges, we first craft a tailored program just for you. However, some of the general features of our approach that all of our residents can expect are the following:
- Safe, medically supervised detox therapies if necessary
- Beautiful and tranquil Florida setting on 4.5 secluded acres
- Proven, evidence-based individual and group therapies to learn about your addiction’s causes and triggers
- Amenities including housekeeping, sauna, private TV and Bluetooth headsets
- Alternative healing therapies including yoga and meditation therapy with a registered shaman, massage and music therapy
Your body, mind, and spirit can be free of addiction, but only you can decide to change. Once you take that step, we will join you on your recovery journey. Meditation therapy is just one of the detox services we will provide to you to aid in your healing. Call us today at 866-244-9556.
