Meditation | Benefits and How it is Used
When you think of meditation, you might picture a peaceful scene with someone sitting on a yoga mat with their legs crossed, and chanting. While this is one element of the practice, meditation therapy can be a powerful weapon in the fight against addiction, one that is backed by scientific research and increasingly embraced by recovery centres worldwide. Recovery Lighthouse is proud to offer meditation therapy as part of our comprehensive rehab treatment programmes as we believe it can be a game-changer for those struggling with addiction.
What is meditation therapy?
Meditation therapy is a holistic approach to addiction treatment that incorporates various mindfulness techniques. These techniques train your mind to focus on the present moment, allowing you to develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation and mental clarity. Through regular practice, meditation therapy can also help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, all of which are common triggers for substance abuse.
However, the benefits of meditation therapy extend beyond mental health. It has also been shown to improve physical wellbeing by reducing blood pressure, improving sleep quality and boosting the immune system. All of these can be very important in helping the addiction healing process along and for making the detox process more manageable.
What are the goals of meditation for addiction treatment?
The main goals of meditation therapy during addiction treatment include:
- Improved self-awareness and emotional regulation: By focusing on the present moment, meditation helps you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations, leading to a better understanding and control over addictive behaviours.
- Increased stress resilience: Stress is a major driving force of substance abuse but regular meditation practice can strengthen your brain’s ability to cope with stress, reducing the risk of relapse.
- Improved mental clarity and focus: Meditation helps to declutter your mind, leading to better decision-making and impulse control, both of which are crucial in addiction recovery.
- Boosted overall wellbeing: The physical and mental health benefits of meditation also contribute to a sense of wellbeing and improved quality of life without the need for drugs or alcohol.
What are the different types of meditation for addiction?
Some of the most commonly used meditation therapies in addiction treatment include:
Mindfulness meditation for addiction…
Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing on the present moment without judgement. It teaches you to become aware of your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations, allowing you to break free from negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. In the context of addiction treatment, mindfulness meditation can be an effective way to prevent relapse by helping you manage cravings and identify triggers.
Mindfulness meditation is a key part of Recovery Lighthouse’s meditation therapy programme. Our expert therapist explains why:
“Mindfulness meditation brings you clearly into the present moment bringing with it an incredible sense of peace and acceptance of whatever is happening within and without. This helps to soothe symptoms of anxiety and depression which are all too common in people with addiction. Daily meditation therapy can also have a number of other benefits including improved memory, better impulse control, a new sense of happiness and improved wellbeing and the chance to build better relationships and a happier life.”
Loving-kindness meditation for addiction…
Loving-kindness meditation, also known as metta meditation, cultivates feelings of compassion and love towards yourself and others. It’s especially beneficial if you’re struggling with addiction as it can help counteract feelings of guilt, shame and self-loathing that often accompany substance abuse.
Body scan meditation for addiction…
Body scan meditation involves focusing attention on different parts of your body, one at a time, to develop a heightened awareness of physical sensations. This practice can be particularly helpful for you in recovery as it encourages a greater connection between your mind and body. By developing an awareness of physical sensations, you can learn to better manage cravings and recognise early signs of stress or emotional distress that could lead to relapse.
How is meditation therapy used to complement other recovery therapies?
Incorporating meditation therapy into a comprehensive, well-rounded treatment plan can be incredibly effective. Meditation allows for freedom and control, which our peer-led morning sessions can further enhance.
Here is how meditation can work in tandem with some of the most common recovery therapies:
Meditation and group therapy…
Incorporating meditation into group therapy sessions can take the healing process to new heights as it enables participants to develop better self-awareness, empathy and non-judgmental listening skills. These are essential qualities that can dramatically improve communication and deepen connections among group members. All of this helps to create a more open and compassionate atmosphere which can elevate the overall group therapy experience and build stronger, lasting bonds.
Meditation and DBT…
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping you replace negative thought patterns with healthier coping strategies. When combined with meditation, these therapies become even more potent as you will have developed a better understanding of yourself and improved your emotional regulation. This will in turn enhance your ability to implement the techniques learned within your DBT sessions.
Meditation and 12-step…
The 12-step programme is a renowned addiction recovery framework that places a strong emphasis on spiritual growth and personal accountability. When paired with meditation, the 12-step experience can be enriched and deepened as meditation fosters self-reflection, mindfulness and spiritual connection.
How can meditation help when you leave rehab?
Meditation is a sustainable and accessible practice that can also be incorporated into your daily life after leaving rehab. By continuing to practise meditation, you can maintain the gains you made during treatment and further develop your self-awareness and emotional regulation skills. Regular meditation practice can also help prevent relapse by reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing mental clarity and fostering a sense of wellbeing.
Start meditation therapy today
If you’re struggling with addiction and want to explore the transformative power of meditation, let Recovery Lighthouse guide you on your journey to a healthier, happier and more balanced life.
Contact Recovery Lighthouse to learn more about our meditation therapy programmes and how we can support you in your quest to overcome addiction.
