When mindfulness practice, a non-judgmental, observational approach, is incorporated into addiction treatment, a client can utilize the power of conscious thought and action to replace identification with addictive impulses and behaviors. Or more simply, the practice of mindfulness can help our clients experience a deep connection with the present moment. This is in contrast to the characteristic patterns of addictive thinking, which often includes rumination about the past and future, obsessive cravings, and distracted attention. Scans conducted on individuals who practiced only 10 hours overall of mindfulness already demonstrate differences in the neurochemistry of their brain.

Neurological science has demonstrated that the practice of mindfulness improves learning as well as quality of life, enhances the ability to cope with problems when they arise, and interestingly enough, makes learning new concepts actually meaningful, as opposed to simply learning a new concept because you are being told to do so. In learning the practice of mindfulness, clinicians have a unique opportunity to make learning new ways of thinking a meaningfulness experience.

Mind over matter. This old adage encouraged us to believe that the mind is more powerful than the body, but is this actually true? What difference could a few positive thoughts possibly have in your daily life? The answer is much more than we could have anticipated. Research has shown the practical and statistical benefits behind meditation, or mindfulness, as an addiction recovery technique. Let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating finds from these studies.