Stress is an inevitable part of life. Some stressful events are minor, such as getting the wrong order at your morning coffee spot. Other events, such as a divorce or job loss, are more serious. It's how we handle stress that makes things better or worse in our lives. How do you typically deal with stressful situations? Do you listen to calming music to soothe your frazzled nerves? Or, do you try to drink your troubles away? Mindfulness based stress reduction, or MBSR, presents positive ways to handle those inevitable stressful times that we all face.
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn developed MBSR in the 1970s. Generally, a program lasts eight weeks, and it aims to help people handle stress and difficulties in more productive ways. Originally, MBSR was intended for hospital patients. Over the decades, various settings have adopted the program or a modified version of it.
You can find mindfulness based stress reduction programs in schools, clinics, prisons, and veterans' treatment centers.
What do many people who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction have in common? In addition to unresolved trauma, they often grapple with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. They often re-live negative events from the past and feel a great deal of anxiety about the future.
Addiction treatment programs that incorporate mindfulness based stress reduction may include meditation and yoga. These therapies help clients develop greater self-awareness. Instead of automatically thinking of using or drinking to ease their stress, they learn to manage their negative emotions.
They begin to live in and focus on the present moment. When cravings arise — and they will — mindfulness teaches that temptations will pass. As clients understand that thoughts aren't the same as actions, they learn that they can control what steps they take.
MBSR practices are great on their own, but in addiction treatment, they're more effective when combined with other evidence-based programs. Expect to attend individual and group therapy sessions alongside MBSR.
The types of mindfulness based stress reduction techniques you may participate in include:
As you practice these techniques, you focus on your breathing. When you feel tension, you'll breathe until you're able to relax. You might also focus on your attention on a specific object or mantra. The more you practice MBSR, the more effectively you can manage stress and cravings.
When rehab ends, you may consider continuing MBSR as part of your ongoing recovery.
Addiction treatment should be accessible to anyone who needs it. Pricey and exclusive rehab facilities are out of reach for many. However, everyone deserves to be healthy.
That's where San Antonio Recovery Center makes a difference. Our addiction therapy services are affordable and widely accessible for those who need them most. We provide a full spectrum of treatment because we understand the importance of whole-body healing.
The addiction rehab programs we offer include:
Our individualized approach and dedication to your complete health give you an excellent chance to achieve lasting sobriety. Call San Antonio Recovery Center for affordable addiction treatment in a safe and comfortable environment. In treatment, you’ll learn to use methods like mindfulness based stress reduction to help reduce your cravings. You can leave drug and alcohol abuse behind and get a new lease on life by contacting us today at 866-957-7885.
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