Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
—Robert Frost
Imagine yourself standing at the intersection of two paths, one going left and the other right. Picture one of them being well-trodden with a rut worn down into the soil; the other is so unused that the grass has grown over it, nearly obscuring it from view.
Which path do you take?
When a person is struggling with substance use and mental health issues, they habitually walk the same beaten paths in their thinking, as if their brains are rigidly hardwired to make self-destructive choices. Reliving past mistakes in one’s mind, worrying about the future with “what if” thinking, succumbing to hopeless or unwanted thoughts—that all-too-familiar path is so often strewn with episodes of substance use disorder. Every day, they face that choice. How does one break that cycle, depart from the destructive rut and begin forging a new, fresh path? Breaking free from this kind of thought pattern can seem hopeless and overwhelming, but there is hope and help in a technique called mindfulness.
If you or a loved one is struggling, mindfulness-based treatment may benefit you. The addiction treatment programs at Serenity Grove are designed with mindfulness in mind. Contact us today at 844.904.3485 to learn how our mindfulness-based treatment program can benefit you.
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” Mindfulness allows someone to become an observer of their own thoughts and actions and to focus on the present moment without judging or reacting impulsively.
Mindfulness-based treatments and practices have roots in eastern philosophy, specifically in Buddhist meditation. However, it has been adapted for use in Western psychology. In addiction treatment, it can look like this:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
- Body scans
- Mindful eating or drinking (i.e., paying attention to the taste, texture, and sensation of each bite or sip)
How Can Mindfulness Help in Addiction Treatment?
Incorporating mindfulness into addiction treatment can provide a powerful tool. Mindfulness, when added to a treatment plan, can actually help “rewire the brain” by changing neural pathways, strengthening key brain networks, and even physically changing brain structures over the long term.
Mindfulness, at its core, builds in one the habit of focusing their attention on the present so that they become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and movements in real-time. It trains people to acknowledge their cravings without judgment.
Mindfulness-based treatment can help addiction in the following ways:
- Reducing stress, anxiety, and negative emotions (which can trigger substance use)Increasing self-control and impulse control
- Improving self-esteem and self-confidence
- Managing triggers, cravings, and relapse prevention
- Improving overall well-being
- Choosing the Path Less TraveledThe path less traveled, though it may be overgrown with neglect, is not impossible to traverse. Mindfulness-based treatment can
Free Your Mind with Serenity Grove’s Mindfulness-Based Treatment Program
By teaching mindfulness skills to our clients, Serenity Grove helps them find better self-awareness, leading to increased self-control derived from a sense of purpose and intrinsic joy in life. Receive fast, confidential assistance by contacting us via phone or online form. Call us today at 844.904.3485 to start your journey toward lasting recovery. The future is unwritten, and the path is yours to forge. Choose your destiny—choose Serenity Grove.
