This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Many people enjoy watching a show on Netflix and other entertainment channels. Others may like to sip on a cocktail after a long week. There are many things in life that aren't harmful in themselves in moderation, but it's the amount of time we spend doing them or the importance they take on in our lives. Sometimes, there really is such a thing as too much of a "good" thing.
There are many people facing substance use disorders. It's a widespread concern that many of us will face in some form or know someone who will, and it's okay to ask questions and get help. But how do you know the difference between something that's enjoyable "“ and something that could be harmful? In order to better understand the options for seeking treatment, please check out this BetterHelp recovery resource about seeking the support of a substance abuse counselor.
In this article, we'll look at some of the unique ways mindfulness can support mental health in general. In particular, we'll explore how mindfulness-based treatments can support those in the process of recovering from substance use disorder.
How Mindfulness Can Help Those Experiencing Substance Use Disorders
Research shows there is a strong link between addiction and stress, and in some recovery models stress is considered the strongest determinants of relapse. Going through stress can increase the potential a person will use drugs or alcohol. While relapses are potentially part of any recovery process, stressful situations may also increase the likelihood of a person with substance use disorder relapsing during their recovery process.
For those experiencing substance use disorders, it's especially important to look at what causes them stress in their lives and ways to better address that stress.
Strengthening Cognitive Ability Through Mindfulness Training
Once someone develops a substance use disorder, their behavior may become automatic when reaching for the drug or alcohol in a bid to improve their mood. The process of successfully recovering from drug or alcohol abuse involves making the decision not to use, which is made possible by gaining conscious control over their behaviors.
Mindfulness can play a strong role in strengthening the individual's cognitive ability to make conscious decisions and gain control over their behavior, such as whether they will choose to use alcohol or drugs again "“ or not. With more cognitive control, a person may choose to move their mind to something else other than thinking about alcohol. They may choose to go for a run, or think about their loved ones, or be grateful for the many strides they've made in their recovery.
Restructuring Reward Systems Through Mindfulness
The process of developing a substance use disorder may involve using drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol as a form of stress relief or to "feel better" in the moment. In this sense, the drugs, alcohol or medications become a reward that the person continues to return to in order to feel better "“ even when the drugs or alcohol are causing destruction in their lives.
When people continue to return to drugs, alcohol and prescription medications, they're essentially hijacking their body's natural reward system. Once this happens, the person may find it difficult to feel rewarded by any other actions other than seeking out alcohol, drugs, or prescription meds. They may no longer be able to work or exercise or spend time with their family because the drugs and alcohol are interfering with their ability to enjoy natural rewards.
According to research, mindfulness-based training can enhance a person's ability to experience positive emotions and become more motivated to resume healthy activities. The process of focusing our attention on natural rewards, like enjoying daily walks, is called "savoring." For those with substance use disorders, mindfulness can enhance the process of learning to savor healthy rewards that may have been disrupted due to substance use disorder.
For example, participants who engaged in an eight-week program of mindfulness training were able to increase their sense of reward simply from daily life activities.
In Conclusion
Mindfulness can be practiced in many ways. There are breathing exercises, meditation, nature walks, journaling, gratitude practices, and visualizations. But mindfulness-based exercises are not a substitute for committing to recovery. If you or someone you know is experiencing substance use disorder, please seek help immediately. Asking for help is the healthiest thing you can do on the path to recovery from drugs and alcohol.