Why Do Many Inpatient Programs Use Meditation as a Treatment (And Is It Helpful)?
Inpatient care often provides holistic methods as an option for recovery, and meditation is one that has been proven many times over to be extremely beneficial for addiction treatment. Call 800-430-1407Who Answers? now to find a safe, reliable inpatient center where you can begin recovery.
Why Do Inpatient Centers Use Meditation?
Meditation is a common staple used in inpatient treatment programs to help patients heal from addiction. While this is not considered to be an evidence-based approach like medication or behavioral therapy, it can actually be extremely beneficial for the treatment of addiction. Inpatient centers often provide classes in meditation for a number of reasons.
- Inpatient centers usually have more funding than outpatient facilities. Therefore, they can offer additional options to patients that are not usually offered at the latter type of program.
- Many inpatient centers provide holistic methods that, according to the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, can include:
Meditation is a useful skill that patients can use throughout their recovery.
- Tai Chi
- Art therapy
- Massage therapy
- Pet therapy
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Dance-movement therapy
- Leisure and recreational skills
- Spiritual growth and development
- Cultural awareness and appreciation
- Vocational services
- Housing help
- Meditation is a skill that patients can practice at any time during their recoveries, even after treatment has ended, and it is rather inexpensive to provide classes in this skill.
As such, many inpatient rehab centers often provide this option. However, it isn’t just easy for the program itself to offer; meditation has been proven to be extremely beneficial for those recovering from substance abuse.
The Benefits of Meditation for Addiction Recovery
According to the University of Berkley California, “Traditional treatment for substance abuse often focuses on avoiding or controlling triggers that result in negative emotion or craving.” While this can be helpful, a patient can also gain from learning how to acknowledge these feelings, how to cope with them, and then how to let them go. Mindfulness, a concept taught through meditation, can be extremely beneficial in teaching patients how to practice these behaviors as well.
Mindfulness encourages awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts without judgment, according to the medical journal Substance Abuse. This can actually minimize the issues of cravings and stress, as the individual will no longer be at war with themselves in order to treat these issues. Mindfulness can also eventually help someone become more in control of their thoughts and emotions, as long as they are able to acknowledge that they have these feelings.
Other benefits of meditation for addiction treatment include:
- The way in which meditation can help one balance their emotions and practice self-restraint, according to the Dalai Lama via the National Institute on Drug Abuse
- How meditation can be a solitary practice or can be practiced with a group, allowing positive energies to flow between individuals
- The practice’s ability to foster acceptance of self and comfort with one’s mind, body, and spirit
- How meditation, unlike evidence-based practices associated with addiction treatment, creates a new way for patients to connect with their recoveries and to express themselves
- Some individuals have difficulty expressing themselves through traditional therapy, which is why holistic methods like meditation are so popular.
- Meditation’s ability to minimize issues of anxiety and depression, which are common among addicts
- Disorders like these are extremely common among drug addicts, and inpatient centers are often the best choice for someone in this situation. Mediation can be a helpful tool to treat both issues simultaneously, which is necessary for a safe recovery (NIDA).
Through meditation, a person can make many changes to their life and the way they see themselves and their addiction in order to create a well-rounded recovery.
Do I Need Meditation for Addiction Treatment?
If you are open to trying it, meditation is often a very successful tool for recovery. It also has no known side effects. If you want to practice meditation for your recovery, many inpatient centers provide this option, or you could attend an outpatient program and find a meditation class on your own, depending on your needs.
It’s Time to Seek Help
If you have been abusing drugs for a long time and are experiencing severe effects, it is time to seek treatment. We can help you find the best option for your needs and begin a safe and effective recovery; call 800-430-1407Who Answers? today.