MRI brain scan on Vimeo

Image by Jon Olav via Flickr

Often, for people suffering with drug addiction meditation has never been a matter for contemplation.  As soon as they experience any feelings of restlessness, anxiety or depression, they usually turn to their drug of choice to alter their state. Although the truth is that for many people world wide suffering from drug addiction meditation has achieved a safe and natural cure for them. For people going into rehabilitation for drug addiction meditation provides an alternative method for recovering.

Going through drug rehabilitation is probably the hardest thing anyone could have to do in their life, and the physical discomfort, pain and illness along with emotional and mental suffering can last weeks or months.  Meditation for drug addiction is usually introduced on the first day of rehabilitation, and people are amazed by how deeply relaxed they become without taking any drugs.

Guided meditation and positive affirmations are an important part of giving up drugs:  Working on self-esteem through counseling and using rumination with positive affirmations combine to improve confidence and reprogram thought patterns.  Drug addiction meditation techniques are delivered with deliberation, focusing on accessing the subconscious mind to instill new values and a sense of worthiness.

Reflection on issues relating to past hurts and actions that have hurt others is also important.  To overcome drug addiction, meditation can help by unlocking memories and bringing up emotions so they can be dealt with and healed.  Just taking time away from drugs isn’t enough to overcome addiction, working out the root cause of the problem is the only way.

Through meditation, those in rehabilitation can connect with their spirituality and rediscover new passions.  Many people suffering from drug addiction have never found an outlet for their creative energy, and meditation can assist in finding inner desires that were previously masked with drugs.  While in rehabilitation, people often adopt a new found belief in God or a higher self through the feelings they experience while meditating.

Anger is a big problem for anyone quitting a substance they have abused.  It is a normal part of withdrawal to feel extremely frustrated, and some even experience temporary psychosis.  To help with drug addiction meditation can prevent the anger from building to this point, and will lead to developing new ways to cope with stress.  Often, the problem is simply old patterns being played out time and again, and as soon as an addict learns new coping strategies they can change the choices they make.

Sleeping can be difficult while experiencing drug withdrawal and many people toss and turn with aches and pains.  Meditation is useful because not only will it help many relax enough to be able to fall asleep, but it also clears the mind of worries that could otherwise have kept them awake.  Meditation techniques taught in rehab would also focus on restorative sleep and healing, so even if they don’t actually go to sleep, their body can still rejuvenate and they will feel rested.

Some people are addicted to medication and drugs because of pain from an illness or injury as well as emotions.  There are guided meditation practices that can help with pain management, teaching them to divert attention and regain control over their body’s responses.  They will be able to transcend the physical experience of pain, whether permanent or during the withdrawal period.

Deep rumination, reflection and meditation for drug addictions are personal processes for each individual going through rehabilitation.  Everyone responds differently to the sessions, and each individual should be given consideration and space to release their emotions and pain.  Learning to develop trust and connect with others is valuable to them, along with professional counseling, healthy eating, physical activities and diversions.

By Philip Stilchford


Enhanced by Zemanta