The Benefits of Meditation in Addiction Recovery

Meditation Benefits in Long-term Addiction Recovery

The practice of meditation dates back to the ancient days, as early as 5000 BCE. Over the last few decades, it has significantly grown in popularity and used all across the world to promote mental, physical and spiritual well-being. From fitness to yoga and therapy, many people incorporate meditation into their daily lives to support their overall health. Meditation is an especially useful tool for those in recovery from a substance abuse addiction, because of its power to heal the body and the mind. While we know everyone’s journey to long-term recovery is different, there are many benefits to trying meditation as part of your path. Acceptance House Sober Living highlights the main meditation recovery benefits from those overcome an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

6 Benefits of Meditation in Recovery from Drugs & Alcohol

Reduce Stress: Stress is one of the biggest triggers, especially for those in the early stages of recovery. When you feel a strong craving, you can use meditation to stop, relax and breathe. Take this time to focus on the reasons you started your sobriety journey.

Boosts Mental Well-Being: Studies have shown that the mindful act of meditation can improve anxiety and mood disorder symptoms over a prolonged period. With this knowledge, addiction centers are now incorporating it into their treatment plan for those with co-occurring disorders.

Improve Sleep: Since meditation helps to put your body in a more relaxed state, it can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. This is helpful for those in addiction recovery who are learning to adjust to normal sleep patterns without the aid of drugs or alcohol.

Manage Pain: Often times, an addiction begins when patients misuse medication, specifically opioids, for chronic pain. With the help of a professional therapist, those in addiction recovery can learn specific meditation methods to manage pain without the use of medicine.

Improve Physical Health: Years of drug and alcohol abuse can take a toll on your body physically. Exercise, eating healthy and a positive mental state can all improve your health. Adding meditation can lower blood pressure, improve heart health and boost your immune system!

Connect with Spirituality: While spirituality is an important part of the recovery process it doesn’t always have to come from the traditional place of church. For many, mediation helps them connect with their own version of spirituality that exists within nature, themselves and their support network.