For people in early recovery from addiction, triggers and cravings can play a major role in their ability to remain sober, and mindfulness has been shown to help dramatically.
Mindfulness and Triggers
Triggers and cravings are a brain phenomenon that results in the addicted person having significant urge to continue substance use and abuse. Though there are many ways to work with cravings and triggers, one of the most effective is recognizing triggers using mindfulness techniques.
Mindfulness is noticing one’s experience without judgement. Mindfulness has been around for thousands of years and is regarded as one of the main interventions for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues.
Mindfulness For Addiction Recovery
According to a 2018 study, mindfulness-based interventions have been used for a wide range of addictive behaviors including alcohol use, opioid misuse, and other substance use disorders. It has been determined that mindfulness-based interventions (MBI’s) reduce cravings by modulating cognitive processes in the brain integral to self-regulation. This means that mindfulness allows our brains to slow down and make better choices when confronted with cravings and triggers.
Mindfulness for Cravings
Habits and cravings can be thought of as behavioral loops that are triggered by external events or stimulus. Mindfulness meditation for addiction recovery helps us to go behind the impulses and watch our own thinking. Once in this regulated state we can make better decisions about our recovery and mental health.
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention is a core curriculum for those in early recovery to learn Mindfulness techniques to support their recovery. Mindfulness curricula help to develop both self-awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings. Both of these lead to better coping with high risk situations.
Ultimately, there is a large body of research that recognizing triggers through the use of mindfulness has positive benefits for someone struggling with substance use disorder.
At Flatirons Recovery, all programming is tied to the concept of mindfulness. Flatirons utilize a daily mindfulness practice as well as specific interventions such as mindfulness-based relapse prevention and daily mindfulness coping skills.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a Substance Use Disorder, call today for a free consultation.