The practice of mindfulness is a powerful tool for the recovering addict. Mindfulness creates a pause between urge and action that leaves room for choosing wisely. I call it “The Sacred Pause”.

“I’m Out of Here!!!”

For most people, the reaction to pain is to look for an avenue of escape – and the sooner the better! This is particularly true of addicts. But unhealthy methods of escape just end up creating more pain. By using mindfulness, addicts can discover an alternative to self-destructive efforts used to relieve discomfort. Sitting with painful feelings without trying to relieve them might sound intimidating. It might also sound passive, apathetic, or like an attempt to suppress feelings. But actually the reverse is true. Accepting feelings and gently observing them takes the sting out of them. And we come to know our painful emotions and thoughts in a new, more intimate way—and with more perspective.

Feel the Feelings

As we sit quietly with a difficult emotion or thought, we learn how to experience the full range of feelings without undue fear. This gives us the ability to freely choose our course of action, rather than blindly reacting. Mindfulness is a portable skill that can become a regular part of the recovering addict’s skill set, both during and after treatment. Mindfulness practice takes only a few minutes and can be done by anyone anywhere, with long-lasting benefits.

Mindfulness Instead of Addiction

In many ways, mindfulness is the opposite of addiction. If we are going to become free from addictive behavior, we need to learn how to be uncomfortable, to be present with and perhaps even embrace our discomfort. It’s not nearly as hard as it sounds. With mindfulness, we no longer view cravings and urges as mystical, overpowering forces. Instead, we see urges to use or numb out as a series of passing thoughts and feelings that peak and then disappear, much like a wave.

Mindfulness practices, like meditation and yoga, can be a very effective means of relapse prevention, as well as a strong support for long term recovery.

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