The inability to healthily manage stress and negative feelings are a major reason for substance abuse. One person simply has a harder time than others and will turn to alcohol or drugs. Mindfulness based stress reduction therapy is one form of treatment that can help a person manage stress and reduce negative feelings. Finding holistic addiction treatment or a meditation therapy program can lead you to wellness.
What is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy?
Mindfulness-based stress reduction combines several techniques that conditions a person to become mindful in everyday activities. Also referred to as MBSR, this practice helps them manage negative emotions and cravings.
This particular type of meditation works by identifying specific things that cause stress. At first, stress can overwhelm. However, becoming aware of how the body and mind respond to stress is beneficial. At the same time, a person uses self-inquiry to disengage from addictive behaviors.
MBSR also empowers the person to not become overwhelmed by stressors. An acronym, RAIN, is helpful for remembering the basics of this form of therapy.
A person makes it RAIN by:
R = Recognizing the presence of a strong emotion like anxiety
A = Acknowledging the presence of the emotion
I = Investigating how this emotion affects their body, thoughts and other emotions
N = Not identifying with the emotion that formerly encouraged substance use
Why Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is Important for Addiction Issues
A person battling addiction also struggles with being present in the moment. Reliving past traumas play on a constant loop in their mind. They try to bury painful memories with alcohol or drugs. Mindfulness based stress reduction can work as part of our trauma-informed care philosophy
Constantly worrying about the future also causes problems. The person may experience a great deal of anxiety. This is reinforced by expecting negative outcomes with anything that happens in the future. Many try to medicate with drugs or alcohol. However, substance abuse worsens the situation. For example, alcohol and stimulants often increase anxiety and create a dangerous cycle. A quality addiction treatment program will help you redefine how you experience stress.
Staying stuck in these patterns causes tremendous stress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction teaches effective coping skills for dealing with the pressure. Eventually, these techniques help to reverse the negative thinking patterns that caused them to adopt unhealthy habits.
How Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Treatment Works
Alcohol and drugs never cure the areas of discomfort in a person’s life. Often, these unhealthy habits mask what is happening. Practicing MBSR encourages a person to take time to think about what they are feeling. Consequently, they can learn to manage stress and negative emotions.
Observing emotions allows them to identify the true source of their stress. Instead of reaching for negative reactions or behaviors, they can calm themselves. During MSBR, they replace negative habits with effective coping mechanisms.
Techniques learned during MBSR therapy include yoga and meditation. Both methods continue with the person well after addiction rehab ends. Over the course of a lifetime, these practices are refined and create peace and serenity instead of stress.
Find Peace of Mind at Pillars Recovery
Do you need therapy services that uncover the root of your addiction? Come to Pillars Recovery for effective ways to overcome a dependency on alcohol or drugs. In addition, we offer programs such as:
- Onsite detox
- Residential treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family counseling
- Transitional living in Orange County
Our caring, compassionate team provides the support you need to transition your life. We have relaxing beachside treatment locations where you can begin the journey to a peaceful future. Our addiction therapy services are second-to-none. Find your inner strength at Pillars Recovery. Call 866.782.0247 to learn more about how our quality programs can give you brighter hope.
