Mindfulness as a Part of Addiction Recovery

There are multiple ways to support addiction recovery, including detoxification, therapy, professional medication management, and other effective means. One approach that can have positive results is the use of mindfulness techniques. This article identifies what mindfulness is and shares ideas on how to benefit.

Addiction Recovery Challenges

Though there are challenges that individuals face in the addiction recovery process, recovery is possible. Awareness of some of the common challenges to addiction recovery may help you prepare for and overcome these obstacles as you work toward improved wellness. 

One of the biggest challenges to addiction recovery is craving the addictive substance. Cravings can occur at any point during recovery and may sometimes be more intense than at other times. 

Individuals may also face social triggers that send them back into feeling as though they need the addictive substance.

Another challenge is stress, which is a leading factor in substance use. There is also a stigma surrounding addiction that may impact recovery efforts, and rebuilding relationships affected by addiction may also be challenging.  Mental health issues, boredom, struggling with emotions, and more are all potential challenges to substance addiction recovery.

Despite these and other challenges, there are supports and techniques available to help individuals recover and move forward in sobriety.

Components of Lasting Addiction Recovery

Long-term recovery may involve multiple factors, including the prioritization of your health. Your physical and your mental health are extremely important, and caring for both is important to sustained sobriety. 

Care for your physical and mental health can start with a professional medical detox. A healthcare professional can help ensure the detoxification process is safe. Other ways to support mental and physical health are by engaging in regular exercise, getting enough rest, and holding to a diet that includes healthy foods in support of replacing nutrients diminished by addiction. 

Therapy is also available to help with the mental aspect of recovery, helping individuals work on understanding their emotions rather than suppressing them.

Mindfulness is also an effective tool to help with addiction recovery. Mindfulness can help individuals frame how they think and the ways they react, and recognize how they feel, all in support of addiction management.

Defining Mindfulness

But what is mindfulness? Mindfulness in an addiction recovery setting is the process and practice of cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment to help manage addiction and prevent relapse. 

Mindfulness involves an increased awareness of a situation on a deeper level than what may have been involved previously. Mindfulness includes accepting what is rather than trying to hide behind something else. It also includes accepting the feelings you have, as well as the feelings you have caused, and so much more. 

The goal is to help individuals learn to deal with emotional distress, as well as manage how they’re feeling going forward, not allowing themselves to get carried away by thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. 

Practicing Mindfulness in Addiction Recovery

Mindfulness can be helpful to individuals whether they are dealing with a substance addiction or not. But mindfulness has proven to be an effective recovery tool for those with a substance addiction. 

Mindfulness changes the way individuals think about things. Changes in thinking can help individuals avoid relapse in drug use as feelings are acknowledged instead of suppressed, supporting individuals in understanding and moving on from their feelings without turning to substance abuse.

Practicing mindfulness can look different to different people, as mindfulness takes an individualized approach, with individuals seeing what works best for them. 

One of the common options is journaling, as individuals can release their thoughts and feelings onto paper, which can help in finding freedom from them. In addition to journaling, there is breathwork and meditation, which involve controlling breath, calming the nervous system, and telling the brain that you are okay. 

Mindfulness methods also include the following: 

• Body scan meditation
• Guided imagery for relaxation
• Progressive muscle relaxation

Jackson House Recovery Centers recognizes the importance of mindfulness in addiction recovery, with online resources including a link for each of the mindfulness methods listed above, as well as links to multiple phone apps focused on mindfulness.

Also, you may find an approach that combines methods works best for you.

Ideas for Starting and Sticking to Mindfulness

To get started with mindfulness, consider the methods presented here and select one that you would like to try. You may need help getting going with some of them, and some may involve seeking out treatment access. You may also want to consider using online video guides. 

Consistency is key when it comes to mindfulness, so have a routine in place to keep you on track. If you’re going to meditate, choose a time of day that works for you, and stick to it. If you’re going to use breathing exercises, use them whenever you feel you need them. It’s about consistency and learning to integrate mindfulness methods into your life so that they become a norm.

Addiction Recovery Services in San Diego

Mindfulness is among the treatment offerings available in San Diego at Jackson House Recovery Centers. We work with individuals to recognize that there are ways to manage thoughts and feelings without use of addictive substances.

Our treatment offerings include care for addiction to:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Fentynal
• Heroin
• Meth
• Opioids
• Prescription drugs

We also offer dual diagnosis treatment for those facing a substance abuse addiction along with a mental health disorder.

Contact Us for Caring Support 

We offer caring support from healthcare professionals. Get in touch with us to learn more about our addiction treatment to support you or someone you love.