Meditation Therapy for Substance Abuse

How Can Meditation Therapy Help Treat Substance Abuse?

An Overview of Meditation

Meditation is a powerful yet simple technique used to combat stress and anxiety. Due to the  impactful effects of meditation it has become more available in both substance abuse and general wellness circles as a form of therapy. The overall goal of meditation is to synchronize the mind and body for improved mental wellbeing and an enhanced quality of life. By taking deep breaths, chanting a mantra (or another focused word), and focusing on the breath, the result is increased awareness and connection.

Types of Meditation and Benefits

Meditation is characterized by a crossed-legged seated posture, called the lotus pose, accompanied by deep, slowed breathing. Similar to yoga, meditation can help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and emotional triggers, while changing brainwaves. There are also several methods that offer slightly different benefits.

• Mindfulness meditation, is one of the most popular methods of meditation and focuses on increasing focus, concentration, and awareness.
• Zen meditation brings about calmness and encourages non-reactivity. It reinforces attention to the present moment, encouraging practitioners to focus on the here-and-now and clear their past.
• Guided meditation can encourage someone to visualize peaceful mental images as someone facilitates it with guidance.
• Transcendental meditation teaches effortlessness as a means to achieve peace and reduce stress.

Meditation Therapy for Substance Abuse

With many of meditation’s benefits, it is clear it can be ideal for substance abuse relief to combat symptoms of withdrawal, triggers, and cravings. The benefits of meditation include:

• Reduced depression and anxiety (including social anxiety)
• Significantly reduced stress
• Increased concentration
• Improved mood
• Reduced PTSD and ADHD symptoms
• Increased creativity
• Improved attention
• Reduced brain activity
• Emotional stability
• Increased focus
• Increased academic performance
• Decreased insomnia

Other benefits of meditation therapy include the ability to alter brainwaves, which contribute to improved psychological function and cortisol reduction. Mindfulness practice can enhance the performance of the frontal cortex, the area of the brain that regulates planning and thinking. Meditation also impacts the amygdala, which reduces fear, and increases the activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, governing motivation and motor control. (MORE)

Source: Addiction Center