Over the past thirty years, meditation therapy has become increasingly popular in fields of mental health, medicine and education as a way to manage stress and impulsive behavior and improve emotional stability, mindfulness, decision making, empathy, cognitive function, and overall health. Evidence has supported the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits that come with regular practice. Some benefits of regular meditation include enhanced brain and immune function; improved focus and memory; increased self-esteem; healthier relationships; strengthened the ability to prevent recurring depression and potential relapse; among others.
A Holistic Approach to Treating Substance Use Disorder
Many of us who struggle with alcohol use and substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Co-occurring disorders include Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, those with mental health disorders are more susceptible to substance use disorders. In these cases, holistic treatment involves interventions and a comprehensive approach to helping clients cope with co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, and depression. Meditation therapy has proven to be one of the most effective ways to help clients manage difficult emotions and mood shifts related to a co-occurring mental health disorder.
Meditation Therapy for Recovery
Over the past thirty years, meditation therapy has become increasingly popular in fields of mental health, medicine and education as a way to manage stress and impulsive behavior and improve emotional stability, mindfulness, decision making, empathy, cognitive function, and overall health. Evidence has supported the neurobiological, psychological, and social benefits that come with regular practice. Some benefits of regular meditation include enhanced brain and immune function; improved focus and memory; increased self-esteem; healthier relationships; strengthened the ability to prevent recurring depression and potential relapse; among others.
A Holistic Approach to Treating Substance Use Disorder
Many of us who struggle with alcohol use and substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental health disorder. Co-occurring disorders include Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, those with mental health disorders are more susceptible to substance use disorders. In these cases, holistic treatment involves interventions and a comprehensive approach to helping clients cope with co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, and depression. Meditation therapy has proven to be one of the most effective ways to help clients manage difficult emotions and mood shifts related to a co-occurring mental health disorder.
Emotion Regulation through Meditation
The essence of meditation can be boiled down to the science of attention training. Meditation is the practice of bringing mindfulness back to the present moment. Regular meditation nurtures the mind’s ability to transcend obsessive thoughts and emotional reactivity, and redirect attention to the present feelings and sensations. With consistent practice, individuals are less likely to experience troublesome patterns and emotional distraction, and therefore less susceptible to relapse. Of course we cannot predict when emotional triggers will occur, however, regular meditation gives us the tools and mindfulness we need to manage emotional reactions and redirect our thinking back to the breath.
