How Meditation Can Help You Overcome Addiction

Mindfulness practice and meditation help us develop the capacity to see clearly exactly what we’re attached to so we can let go of it and end our suffering. Sara Lazar, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, discovered that the more one practices mindfulness meditation, the thicker the brain becomes in the mid-prefrontal cortex and in the mid-insular region of the brain. Changing your mind or thought process actually causes changes in the brain (Lazar et al. 2005) Lazar found that people who meditate as little as 4 hours per week can achieve a state of mindfulness that leads to creative flow.

The brain continues to learn as we build new neural connections, essentially re-wiring the brain as if we were adding more RAM to a computer resulting in increased functionality. “Practice, practice, practice along with a guided meditation was the trick for me.” Says Ann, “Now I look forward to my meditation time, I am able to calm my mind.” “One thing I learned is you can’t do it wrong, the mind will wander, it’s the process of bringing it back to your breath that is meditation.” The challenge to treating addiction is the fear that you can’t change which can push addicts into denial, minimizing the consequences of unhealthy behaviors. The art of meditation gives the mind a chance to take a break and open a pathway to tranquility. Thus, reducing the need for a substance to calm the mind.

Contact Tranquil Shores To Learn More

Tranquil Shores values the positive effects of mindfulness meditation. We explore many ways to quiet the mind as your body heals from addiction. Whether on the beach, at the residence or in clinical groups, Tranquil Shores incorporates mindfulness and meditation into many facets of the treatment process.