One word that is often tied to the addiction recovery process is acceptance. While acceptance seems simple, many clients struggle to accept things as they are in the moment. Fortunately, Mindfulness-Based Sobriety can help. Explore the benefits of mindfulness therapy, how it can prevent relapse and how it fits into an evidence-based recovery plan at Gateway.
Mindfulness is defined as staying rooted in the present. Mindfulness-Based Sobriety, therefore, is about staying sober while focusing on what is happening in the here and now. Mindfulness-Based Sobriety treatment asks clients to think about how they are feeling now rather than focusing on the past or worrying about the future.
In addiction recovery, it is common for clients to worry about things. Some clients have underlying issues that need to be confronted, and others are overly concerned with the unknowns that exist in the years to come. Rather than expending energy worrying about things out of your control, it helps to be mindful and focused on the present.
Mindfulness-based treatment starts with the acceptance of the present moment. It is about acknowledging what is happening minute by minute, recognizing it and choosing to progress anyway. This mindset can be incredibly helpful for those who internalize stress or turn to substance abuse when things become overwhelming.
While working to overcome an addiction, clients may find themselves on one of two dangerous paths. The first is trying to cover up all emotions and be as stoic as possible. The second is focusing on the past or trying to create a victim narrative. Both can be problematic, and both are not in line with Mindfulness-Based Sobriety.
When clients learn to be genuinely mindful, they accept their emotions. They acknowledge how they feel and then determine whether those feelings are justified or a cause for further action. They also learn how to deal with extreme emotions. Although life can feel unfair, for example, clients still have to take ownership of how they feel, how they respond to those feelings and how they act moving forward.
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