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Drug and alcohol use disorders can harm a person’s health and well-being. Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment and support.
Comprehensive addiction treatment programs may use mindful practices to help people navigate recovery. Practicing mindfulness during treatment and recovery can positively affect a person’s quality of life. It may also significantly reduce the risk of relapse.
This article will explore mindfulness-based treatment programs. You will learn:
- What mindfulness is
- What to expect in a mindfulness-based treatment program
- The benefits of mindfulness treatments in recovery
- Where to find mindfulness-based substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
If you or someone you love struggle with SUD, you are not alone. Treatment is available at Blue Star Recovery. Contact our specialists to learn how mindfulness techniques can reduce addictive behaviors and improve treatment outcomes. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Mindfulness?
“Mindfulness” simply means paying attention to the present moment. People who practice mindfulness are aware of their emotions, physical sensations, and other feelings. They do not focus on the past or worry about the future.
Mindfulness can create a sense of peace. It can also help people gain more control over their emotions and responses.
People may practice mindfulness independently or in a group setting. They can follow along with guided meditations or sit quietly and let thoughts come and go.
Research shows that mindfulness can be beneficial to all who practice it. It may have unique benefits during the treatment of addictive disorders, including SUD.
What is a Mindfulness-Based Approach to Recovery?
A mindfulness-based approach to substance use recovery can help improve outcomes and quality of life. People in recovery can benefit from using mindfulness practices throughout therapy and aftercare.
Here are some common strategies used in a mindfulness-based recovery program.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most common types of talk therapy in recovery. It helps people to recognize the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. People develop healthy coping strategies and work toward goals related to mental health or recovery.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MCBT) combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices, including meditation. Participants gain awareness of their thoughts and feelings and develop practical mindfulness skills that can help them reduce harmful behaviors.
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) helps people to recognize and reduce stress. People in MBSR learn mindfulness skills, such as body scanning and mindful sitting. These and other practices can help people stay grounded in the present moment during stressful times.
Awareness of Cravings
People in recovery can use mindfulness skills to gain better awareness of their cravings. Techniques like body scanning and meditation can help people pinpoint the earliest signs of cravings. Then, they can learn to use coping skills, including meditation and breathwork, to navigate cravings without relapsing.
Meditation Practices
Many people have an idea of what meditation looks like. Some may imagine people sitting quietly for hours on end. However, people may practice meditation in many ways, including:
- Guided meditations or imagery
- Mindful stretching
- Mindful walking
- Mindful eating
- Body scans
- Yoga or tai chi
- Mindful sitting
People can incorporate these and other mindfulness practices into their daily lives. These practices encourage people to stay grounded in the present moment. This can be especially helpful for people who have regrets about the past or worries about the future.
Urge Surfing
Urge surfing is a mindfulness-based technique that can help people resist relapse during a craving. This technique allows people to think of an “urge” like a wave. It builds, crests, and then dissipates. People can use this imagery to remind themselves a craving won’t last forever and that they can get through it.
Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) strategies can be very effective. In addition to evidence-based treatments, people can use mindfulness strategies to manage challenges and avoid relapse during recovery.
Exploring the Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Recovery Programs
Research shows that mindfulness-based recovery programs are generally more effective than other types of treatment.
Some of the most significant benefits of mindfulness-based recovery programs include:
- Fewer negative thoughts
- More awareness of emotions
- Better emotional regulation
- Less impulsive behaviors
- Reduced stress
- Awareness of cravings
- Healthy coping skills to manage stress and cravings
Many SUD experts believe that stress, cravings, and poor self-esteem can contribute to a relapse. Practicing mindfulness can help to reduce stress significantly, give people more control over their behaviors, and increase self-esteem.
Comprehensive SUD treatment programs combine evidence-based therapies and holistic strategies. A treatment plan may include:
- Medications
- Medical treatment
- Talk therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy)
- Group counseling
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
When combined with these therapies, mindfulness can help people navigate recovery successfully. It may reduce the risk of relapse and improve their quality of life.
Find Mindfulness-Based Treatment
If you or someone you love struggle with substance use disorder, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment and recovery support are available at Blue Star Recovery. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
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