Recovery Dharma: Buddhist Approach to Addiction Recovery
When it comes to addiction and recovery, there is no one-size-fits-all path. People can often benefit from several treatment modalities and various methods. One holistic, peer-led addiction support program is the Buddhist addiction recovery fellowship Recovery Dharma.
This recovery program is based on traditional Buddhist practices. Buddhism dates back over 2,500 years and is rooted in many beliefs, including that meditation, acceptance of the present moment, and spiritual work are ways to end suffering. Buddhism originated in India and is one of the largest religions in the world.
This treatment modality has its roots in Buddhist practices that are used in the addiction recovery process. Mindfulness, one of the core principles of Buddhist addiction treatment, is scientifically proven to be highly effective in not only treating addiction but also depression, anxiety, insomnia, and a host of other things.
Keep reading to learn more about Buddhist-based treatment for addiction and how it can help one recover from addiction.
What Is Recovery Dharma?
Recovery Dharma is a community of peers that encourages Buddhist-based recovery from addiction.
This type of Buddhist addiction recovery brings together those suffering from substance use disorders. The unity and bond shared between members help them become free from the suffering that addiction has caused. It helps to strengthen and support one’s recovery journey.
The recovery program uses Buddhist wisdom, compassion, community, and meditation practices for healing and recovery.
Although the Buddhist addiction treatment movement is based on community and a peer-led experience, everyone’s journey is unique. Each person’s path is guided with the help and support of a compassionate team of professionals.
Unlike other recovery programs, this healing path is open to anyone suffering from addictive behaviors and looking to recover. It welcomes those who are suffering from substance use disorders, addictive tendencies, eating disorders, codependency, behavioral addictions, and so on.
The support provided creates a path to recovery and freedom.
What Are the Practices of Buddhist Addiction Treatment?
The practices of Buddhist addiction treatment are based on traditional Buddhist teachings. It is believed that Buddhist practices can help one become free of addiction and suffering. For this reason, Buddhist addiction treatment options are gaining traction and becoming more widespread.
According to these teachings, practicing meditation, honoring the Four Noble Truths, and receiving support from the community (or sangha in Sanskrit) will enhance addiction recovery.
Meditation has many benefits for the body and mind. Additionally, a supportive community with similar experiences is crucial for recovery.
Subsequent commitments are involved in the Four Noble Truths. Buddhists tell us we can end our suffering by acknowledging these truths. Buddhist-based treatment for addiction has its roots in these teachings.
Here are the Four Noble Truths:
- There is suffering
- Suffering has a cause
- Suffering has an end
- There is a journey that helps lead to the end of suffering
Along with these Truths are four commitments to understanding each.
The commitment to understanding the existence of suffering and trauma, understanding how craving leads to suffering, understanding that less craving results in less suffering, and reinforcing the commitment to the path that ends suffering. Buddhist addiction treatment teaches that by accepting the world just as it is–not as we would like it to be–we can truly heal and create a more meaningful life.
What Are the Benefits of Recovery Dharma?
This Buddhist-inspired recovery comes with several benefits. Not only are these recovery practices helpful to those struggling with addiction, but also in daily life.
Buddhist addiction treatment practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and breathing can be very effective in navigating life’s daily stressors, even those outside of addiction.
Here are some of the benefits of meditation and mindfulness:
- Helps to reduce stress
- Improves stress-related conditions
- Calms anxiety and reduces depression
- Improves mental and emotional health
- Promotes problem-solving skills
- Improves attention span
- Helps to decrease addictive cravings
- Promotes better sleep
- Helps to decrease blood pressure
Meditation is one of the pillars of Buddhist practices and is also an internal part of holistic recovery. Meditation and mindfulness are great coping strategies for those struggling with stressors or addictive urges.
What Type of Addiction Does Buddhist Addiction Treatment Help With?
Many treatment programs are specific to one type of addiction. Many are familiar with AA for those suffering from alcohol addiction or NA for those with drug addiction.
Unlike these recovery programs, Buddhist addiction treatment, as presented by Flatirons Recovery, may be applied to any addiction.
Some are suffering from substance abuse addictions such as alcohol, narcotics, prescription drugs, or dual-diagnosis. Others are coping with process addictions such as sex, gambling, or shopping. Perhaps some have eating disorders or are self-harming.
Recovery Dharma and Buddhist addiction treatment can help with any of these addictions. For those suffering from these addictive tendencies and who have a willingness to recover, the program is highly beneficial.
The right team of compassionate professionals can help curate a treatment plan to suit every client’s needs.
Recovery Dharma Treatments and Therapies
Buddhist-based treatment for addiction encourages sobriety from all substances that can alter the mind. As part of living an ethical and fulfilling life, this mindful recovery program does require abstinence if an addiction involves harmful substances.
The purpose of this wellness process is to let go of the need to have an intoxicating experience, also known as renunciation. It involves giving up substances that cause us suffering.
This also means being mindful of a subconscious process called “addiction switching.” This involves avoiding one addictive behavior but replacing it with another one.
There are cases in which it is not possible to abstain from a certain addiction. For example, those with an eating disorder can’t simply quit eating food. In another instance, for those with an addiction to technology, it might not be possible to fully abstain.
Vigilance and mindfulness are required in these circumstances. Setting intentions and boundaries with these behaviors is crucial to a healthy recovery.
Recovery Dharma Meetings at Flatirons in Colorado
What Can I Expect in a Recovery Dharma Meeting?
For those seeking addiction help, here is what to expect:
The weekly meetings help the group members come together to meditate, study the Dharma, and share their experiences. A typical meeting begins with some related readings, followed by a guided meditation.
After the group meditation, there is another reading meant to inspire conversation. Group members then go around and share their thoughts on the readings. Members also have the option to share any of their experiences or struggles.
The community decides the flow of the meeting. Participants share experiences with the group but are not forced to do so. There is also often time to mingle and meet others after the meeting.
The meetings benefit the group as a whole, with the group’s health, safety, and well-being being the most important aspect. Rules and guidelines prevent misconduct and promote ethical practices.
The meetings are also free of charge, but members can donate funds after the meeting.
Discover Your Recovery Journey With Recovery Dharma
With so many treatment options available for addiction recovery, it’s often difficult to know which one is right for you. Recovery Dharma is an alternative program to traditional treatment methods. It can not only help you with addiction recovery but also manage daily stressors.
Buddhist addiction treatment will help you prevent relapse with meditative practices and a supportive community. You can use this program in addition to other forms of addiction treatment for a holistic approach to recovery.
For more information on addiction recovery, see the full treatment and recovery options or contact us.
