The literature “Refuge Recovery” by Noah Levine is a guide for our Mature & Mindfulness addiction treatment program. This therapeutic method does not require anyone to believe anything, but just to do the hard work that is required from recovery. There is no need to have a belief in Buddhism in order to be a part of this program. This approach is systematic when it comes to treating and recovering from all forms of substance abuse addiction. The goal for our mature and mindfulness program is to instill in the individual a lifelong sense of well-being and happiness in their recovery.

About Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a mental state of active and open attention on the present. You observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them for the good or bad. This therapeutic technique is used to accept one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations in a calmly manner. This mental state allows us to slow our minds down and gives us control over our daily situations. This window of opportunity is used to consider our actions and choose the best response, rather than just reacting out of instinct. Mindfulness practices have been scientifically proven to decrease stress and anxiety. This practice can be true for everyone, not only those who deal with addiction.

Keeping Emotions in Check

Emotions can cause relapse triggers if not handled correctly. Emotions can feel uncomfortable and intense, which can cause a person who abuses substances to relapse when trying to escape these feelings. Using drugs or alcohol helps ignore the emotion or the situation that causes those feelings and that is the core of addiction. This cycle will just cause more stress and repeat. The goal of a reaction to a strong emotion is to focus on the present moment, this is what we consider a “mindful” reaction. Our program at our Banyan Treatment Center teaches the individual to notice the feelings that are experienced, before reacting. When a person is unsure of their feelings or actions, this can be a relapse trigger. Feelings that are left unchecked can increase cravings and ultimately lead a person to relapse. Mindfulness practices slow the mind and give us a chance to think about our response and possible consequences before taking an action.

Contact our Banyan Treatment Center in Pompano today to learn more about our unique treatment programs for anyone battling addiction. Help is just one phone call away, and it’s never too late to take control over your emotions and actions. Start your path to recovery now and learn how Banyan can help guide you through the darkness.