Triggers, like cravings and stress, can increase your risk of relapsing. Mindfulness meditation is an effective holistic therapy that can help improve your cognition, decrease your stress and support your recovery.
During recovery, such as a mindfulness based cognitive therapy program, nearly half of all people struggling with a substance abuse disorder experience at least one relapse. A relapse occurs when you begin abusing drugs or alcohol again following a period of complete abstinence. When you relapse, you can return to abusing your previous substance of choice or transition to abusing a different substance. You can develop a more severe addiction after relapsing, which can make recovery more difficult.
Addiction and Recovery
During addiction, your brain becomes dependent on your substance of choice in order to release neurotransmitters. Your pleasure and reward center reward your drug or alcohol use with a rush of neurotransmitters and withholds neurotransmitters when you don’t use. When you are depleted of neurotransmitters, you can face anxiety, sadness, and intense cravings. You can also deal with withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Restlessness, shakes, and tremors
- Chills and sweats
- Insomnia, disorientation, and exhaustion
- Mood changes
- Seizures
- Dehydration, nausea, and vomiting
Withdrawal symptoms can start within hours of your last use and intensify for the next 72 hours. The severity of your symptoms depends on what substance you are detoxing from and how much and how often you use. Most symptoms subside within a week, but some substances can induce more prolonged symptoms.
Attending an inpatient detox center can make withdrawal more comfortable and limit potential complications. Inpatient and outpatient programs can both offer:
- A mindfulness based cognitive therapy program
- Individual theray program, family therapy program and marital counseling
- Medication therapy management and medication assisted therapy
- Relapse prevention education and planning
- Aftercare and sober living housing
- Mindfulness meditation for addiction
Most short-term inpatient programs last up to 28 days, while long-term residential programs can offer treatment for several months or more. Outpatient programs allow you to return home each night and continue working or going to school during treatment.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a holistic therapy that can help improve your cognition, concentration, and mood. Negative emotions, like stress, anxiety, and depression, can increase your risk of relapsing. Learning how to identify, manage and control negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors is an important part of substance abuse treatment. Mindfulness meditation is a healthy and effective way to manage your stress and reduce anxiety.
Another benefit of mindfulness meditation is that it is safe, easy and free to do on your own. You can practice mindfulness meditation while receiving other forms of treatment, such as cognitive or dialectic behavioral therapy. You can also utilize mindfulness meditation if you are out of shape or deal with chronic pain. Mindfulness meditation can also help alleviate chronic pain by promoting relaxation.
Taking the First Step
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse disorder or addiction, reaching out for help is the first step in regaining control over your life. Treatments like individual counseling and mindfulness meditation can help you learn the coping skills you need to maintain recovery. To find out more about your treatment options, call us today at 866.782.0247.
