Last Updated:
November 20th, 2024
Meditation therapy
Meditation, a term often associated with the tranquil imagery of a person deep in peaceful contemplation, extends well beyond the sphere of relaxation. This practice serves as a highly effective tool in combatting addiction, supported by a wealth of research confirming its benefits for those grappling with substance abuse and addictive behaviours. At Oasis Runcorn, meditation is an integral facet of our rehab treatment programmes, consistently demonstrating its value in recovery and helping our clients find new peace and calm in their lives.
What is meditation therapy?
Meditation therapy takes a holistic approach to recovery treatment with benefits for your mind, body and spirit. It uses mindfulness strategies to supplement standard treatments and helps to enhance overall wellness by fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and tranquillity. In a typical session, a therapist guides participants through a variety of techniques designed to help them achieve a state of full attentiveness and relaxation.
The primary goals of meditation therapy are to reduce stress, control cravings related and help improve your general state of being. This is achieved by encouraging you to focus on your present-moment experiences, emotions and thoughts without judgement, fostering a more profound sense of self-understanding and acceptance.
Here is an insight from our resident meditation therapist regarding the therapy’s central advantages in recovery:
“Meditation therapy not only stabilises your nervous system and augments your immune response but also significantly impacts your physical and mental health. The therapy is instrumental in alleviating stress, improving sleep quality and focus, allowing introspection and fostering a stronger sense of equilibrium and internal peace.”
Meditation for addiction recovery
One of the unique features of meditation therapy is its adaptability. Different meditation techniques can be applied to address specific aspects of addiction recovery. These techniques can range from practices that cultivate compassion and empathy to those that enhance body awareness or promote mindfulness. By using a diverse array of methods, meditation therapy can provide a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects.
Some of the meditation therapy techniques employed at Oasis Runcorn include:
Compassion meditation
This technique fosters feelings of empathy and kindness towards yourself and others. Compassion meditation promotes self-compassion and helps mitigate any feelings of shame or self-blame that can often cause or exacerbate addictive behaviours. This meditative approach can elevate your emotional health, boost resilience and foster healthier relationships, which are all critical components in effective and sustained recovery.
Body awareness meditation
Body awareness meditation encourages you to focus on physical sensations, cultivating a deep awareness throughout your entire body. This helps to establish a more profound mind-body connection which is crucial in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse. It can also help to decrease stress (a major cause of substance use and relapse), alleviate physical tension and foster relaxation, which can re-energise you after challenging rehab therapy sessions.
Mindfulness meditation
A potent tool in addiction treatment, mindfulness meditation promotes attentiveness to the present moment and encourages an objective observation of your thoughts and feelings. It fosters self-awareness and helps identify behavioural patterns that might lead to substance use and other addictive and harmful behaviours.
As highlighted by our mindfulness meditation therapist:
“Mindfulness meditation promotes present-moment awareness, leading to peace and acceptance. It helps mitigate depression and anxiety, common in individuals struggling with addiction and introduces a newfound clarity in life. Regular practice can rewire your brain, leading to memory improvement, mindful behaviour, and better relationships, steering you towards a healthier, happier life.”
Harmonising meditation therapy with other therapies
When paired with traditional treatments, meditation therapy can significantly augment the effectiveness of the overall recovery process. Some of the most effective combinations include:
Meditation therapy and group therapy
Meditation therapy can enhance the group therapy experience, helping you feel relaxed and more open to sharing your thoughts and feelings. It strengthens bonds among clients and fosters a sense of camaraderie, making group therapy sessions more constructive and comforting. Oasis Runcorn offers group therapy both during rehab and in our aftercare programme, with meditation therapy greatly complementing every phase of recovery.
Meditation therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT helps those in recovery to manage their emotions, understand the impact their behaviour has on themselves and those around them and devise coping mechanisms that don’t involve substance use. Coupled with meditation therapy, it will enable you to achieve better self-awareness, recognise negative emotions and understand that they don’t have to govern your actions.
Meditation’s long-term benefits post-rehab
Continued practice of meditation post-rehab can provide enduring benefits, particularly in maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being, which are crucial aspects of sustained sobriety.
Daily practice of meditation can help you remain in a positive frame of mind, enhancing various aspects of your life, including your work and personal relationships. Techniques learned in rehabilitation, such as mindfulness meditation, can equip you with the skills needed to handle potential triggers and manage cravings effectively, ensuring you stay on your recovery path.
Post-rehab meditation can also be a powerful tool in managing anxiety, especially when confronted with familiar environments or new challenges that might induce cravings. By maintaining your meditation practice, you can foster a level of positivity and control over your emotions, resulting in transformative life changes.
Begin meditation therapy with Oasis Runcorn
Interested in delving deeper into the benefits of meditation therapy in addiction recovery? Then reach out to Oasis Runcorn today. Our team of skilled therapists is ready to guide you through the process and clarify any queries you may have. We proudly incorporate meditation therapy into our recovery programmes, inviting you to take the first step towards a more fulfilling and healthier life.