On the road to recovery, each individual takes their own path. At first, this may seem daunting or even impossible, and many people who suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD) convince themselves that they are beyond help before they even begin.
While regaining control of yourself may not be easy, it is not impossible. Over the last decade, our team at ILC has witnessed thousands of people find themselves and reclaim their personal power using a variety of tools and treatments. We know it can be done, and we love to guide each of our clients as they discover their own power.
One of the most useful tools we’ve seen bear fruit again and again is the practice of meditation for alcohol recovery. Meditation for substance abuse is a transformative tool that is both powerful and gentle, and it is freely available to everyone.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a proven technique of gaining personal peace that reaches beyond cultural and religious boundaries. It involves incrementally training the mind to attain a state of focused awareness, leading to mental clarity and emotional stability. Some people resist trying meditation for alcohol recovery because they worry that it compromises their religious beliefs. However, we respectfully suggest that this is a misunderstanding of the practice. Anyone can use meditation as a part of their religious practice, or completely apart from any spiritual framework.
For those wondering whether meditation can heal the body, the answer is yes. Meditation, in its simplest form, is:
- Intentional stillness or movement
- Observing whatever thoughts come to mind without judging them or yourself
- Staying in the present moment
That’s it. So what does meditation have to do with recovery from alcohol use disorder? Well, it can help in many ways. A large part of recovery is taking time to explore inside oneself to see what traumas and hurts hide deep down inside. Meditation for alcohol recovery offers a fairly direct path to seeing what is inside, accepting it, and finding a way forward.
Meditation for Alcohol Recovery
People in treatment for substance use disorders or who are seeking to enhance their mental health can benefit from our meditation for substance abuse therapy program. While in recovery, this program teaches clients how to manage their emotions and focus, which can be helpful when facing substances again.
During meditation, you may become aware of physical sensations, thoughts, feelings, and memories. However, you don’t dwell on these thoughts, feelings, or memories during our meditation therapy program. Instead, you acknowledge them and let them pass.
Sometimes this feels unnatural or even wrong at first – are we supposed to just let that cringe-inducing memory pass by without punishing ourselves for it? Well, yes. Most of us have cringe-inducing memories that pop up when we aren’t meditating, and it is useful to practice letting thoughts come and go while we strengthen our ability to remain present.
Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Meditation
Alcohol and other substances can sometimes serve as a means to self-medicate. For many, it’s easy to indulge in drinking to relax after a full day. Some people, however, take it a step further and turn to alcohol to alleviate pain or uncomfortable feelings instead of working through them.
- What if there was another tool that could also help deal with uncomfortable feelings AND work through them?
- What if that tool didn’t encourage bad decision-making or physically impair the user, or bring out dangerous behavior?
- What if that tool was infinitely FREE?
It is difficult to overstate how useful and effective meditation for healing can be for a person.
Part of employing holistic substance abuse treatment is learning to observe our thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental manner. This approach allows us to process those thoughts in a way that makes us an observer rather than a participant. Meditating for as little as a few minutes every day can help:
- Relieve stress
- Manage chronic pain
- Lower heart rate
- Decrease the risk of chronic disease
- Increase cognitive functioning
Recovery from addiction happens day by day. Similarly, meditation focuses on the present moment. As a person becomes more mindful of their daily actions and reactions, they also become less vulnerable to the temptations of substance use.
10 Ways to Use Meditation for Alcohol Recovery:
- Mindful Breathwork: Start with the basics. Learn how to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, feel the air fill your lungs, and exhale slowly. Most of us don’t realize we hardly ever breathe fully unless we pay attention to our breathing. The simple practice of breathwork brings you back to the present moment, promoting mindfulness and reducing anxiety.
- Body Scan Meditation: This technique involves directing your attention to different parts of your body, cultivating awareness and releasing tension. It can be especially beneficial for those struggling with physical discomfort during recovery. Take a moment and focus on feeling each individual finger on one of your hands, one at a time. We often forget to really feel our bodies, especially when we want to feel something different.
- Loving-Kindness Meditation: Many people choose to drink or misuse other substances because they can’t stand the feeling that they are not loved, or are not lovable. In Loving-Kindness meditation, you choose a few simple phrases of affirmation to speak to yourself, practicing a new self-talk track that builds you up instead of tearing you down.
- Visualization Meditation: Picture yourself free from the chains of substance abuse. Often, we wander aimlessly and self-medicate because we don’t know what something better looks like. Visualization meditation allows you to create a mental image of a healthier, happier future, reinforcing your commitment to recovery.
- Mantra Meditation: Harness the power of words with mantra meditation. Repeat a positive affirmation or phrase during your meditation sessions to cultivate a sense of strength and resilience in your journey toward healing.
- Walking Meditation: Movement can be a powerful ally in recovery. Combine the benefits of physical activity with mindfulness through walking meditation. Focus on each step, grounding yourself in the present moment.
- Chakra Meditation: Explore the body’s energy centers with chakra meditation. This practice involves visualizing and balancing the flow of energy through different areas of your body, promoting holistic healing.
- Breath Awareness Meditation: Dive deeper with breath awareness meditation. Paying attention to the rhythm of your breath can help calm the mind, providing a valuable tool for managing stress and cravings.
- Gratitude Meditation: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude through meditation. Reflect on the positive aspects of your life, fostering a sense of appreciation that can be a powerful antidote to the challenges of recovery.
- Silent Meditation: Embrace the stillness within with silent meditation. Allow yourself to sit in quiet contemplation, observing thoughts without judgment. This practice can enhance self-awareness and resilience.
Mindful meditation is a calming practice, but it does not mean that it is inactive. Our meditation for alcohol recovery program, like other types of holistic addiction treatment, is relaxing yet deeply engaging.
Your mind is continuously active, but in a way that you may not have experienced before. Meditation of all kinds helps shine a light on your mind so that you can see it more clearly for what it is, and have compassion on yourself as you move forward.
Meditation on the Path to Freedom at ILC in Nashville, TN
As you move toward recovery, it’s important to acknowledge that the path to healing differs for each individual. We provide you with the opportunity to experience the transformative potential of meditation healing to recover from substance abuse and alcohol addiction. Alongside meditation, we offer other healing modalities, such as art therapy, equine therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Our commitment to offering the best team, programs, and resources to support your healing journey has positioned us as a national leader in the field of experiential healing and recovery.
If you’re not sure about the severity of your drinking habits, or if you need some context for your experiences, we invite you to review the criteria for alcohol use disorder. This helps us create a personalized plan that meets your unique needs. At Integrative Life Center, we believe in the transformative power of meditation to heal, and we are here to guide you towards a brighter future free from alcohol addiction.
Your journey to reclaiming your power and freedom can begin today! Simply give us a call today at (615) 891-2226. We are here to help.
