We all experience addictive behaviors in some aspect of our lives. The pace and expectations of our present day culture encourage us to live in such a way that addictive behaviors have become the norm.
Not only do we become addicted to substances, drugs and alcohol, but also technologies, relationships and emotional patterns.
I have been working in the field of addictions for the past two years based in a luxury treatment facility in Asia, supporting clients to develop a mindfulness practice to support them in their journey to either controlling or moving away completely from substance use.
4 of the key benefits I have seen in clients who have committed to developing a mindfulness based practice are:
- Learning how to be with cravings to ‘use’, making space for cravings to rise and fall without reacting to them
- Learning how to ease shame and guilt – mindfulness can introduce you to an experience of self acceptance and even self compassion
- Learning how to move towards difficult experiences – often addictive behaviors are connected to the suppression of some kind of past experience that feels to uncomfortable to be with – mindfulness can support you to find some internal peace with past experience
- Learning how to share – In my experience clients with addictions often struggle to articulate their needs and feelings – mindfulness can support you to find your voice
If you are suffering from any kind of addictive behavior and think mindfulness could help you then please contact me and we can talk more about how I can support you.