Mindfulness is the reflective practice of concentrating on the present moment and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, with no judgment. According to a study recently published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information, mindfulness may help people suffering from addiction to opioids. Furthermore, it may lead to less pain and fewer cravings for those sufferers.
The Study
The study utilized 30 participants with opioid use disorder and chronic pain who used medication therapy in conjunction with counseling treatment. The researchers evaluated and analyzed the participants in two separate groups: one group receiving Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) and the other group receiving their usual medication treatment. MORE is a mental training program that combines mindfulness training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and positive psychology into one central treatment approach. It contains three elements: mindfulness, reappraisal, and savoring. Mindfulness skills help people stop harmful and unhealthy cognitive and behavioral habits. Reappraisal skills help people acquire new, more useful values and behaviors. Savoring skills are then used to provide motivational energy and a sense of reward needed to drive and maintain behavioral changes. Therefore, MORE teaches people to use mindfulness training to promote positive psychological processes so that health and well-being are improved.
The Results
The group that participated in MORE significantly improved their cravings, pain levels, and stress than the patients who kept their usual medication treatment. Participants in MORE also experienced greater self-control and higher positivity, which helped reduce their cravings. Furthermore, mindfulness helped participants become aware of more cravings than their counterparts. Therefore, mindfulness therapies can help those dependent on opioids to decrease their reaction to emotional and physical pain by increasing self-control and self-awareness of cravings. Changing negative thoughts and savoring fun events may also help sufferers regulate emotions and experience more enjoyment in their lives.
Need Help?
Mindfulness, meditation, and other mind-body techniques are infiltrating our unhealthy society as a means to battle many ailments. Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a disease, and it involves the mind and the body. Mindfulness training is crucial to overcoming addiction and sustaining recovery. Recovery is possible, and there is hope for a better future. At Fort Worth Recovery, we offer a nurturing space to support clients on their road to long-lasting recovery. We seek to inspire clients to face their challenges and foster hope for their future. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, call us today at 844.332.1807 or visit us online.
